[log in to unmask]" alt="" class="" height="28" width="203"> Users, Vehicles, Infrastructure

July 10-13, San Francisco.  "... Infrastructure..." Read more  Hmmmm...A very successful symposium attended by about 1,500 individuals all of whom paid a registration fee (i.e. no freebies).  Thank you Steve and Bob and especially Jane for assembling and orchestrating an even greater AV Symposium.  Looking forward to the 2018 version.

One very nice element in 2017 was that "Automated" was indeed the lead topic and didn't play 2nd fiddle to "Connected/DSRC".   As in the past, many of the plenary presentations are to be made available on the site in the coming weeks.   The breakout sessions were closed to the press so as to engender more open discussion which certainly existed in Breakout 19: SHARK TANK-Change is coming: Who Will Survive . Summaries of those breakout sessions will also be posted on the Symposium site in the coming weeks.

The highlight presentations, from my perspective, were:
1. "Opening Keynote" where Dr. Gil Pratt, CEO, Toyota Research Institute announce a new Toyota early stage venture effort to stimulate the creation of of the technologies that will be needed for accelerate the successful deployment of Automated Vehicles.   
2. "Integrating Autonomous Drive into the New Automotive Reality"  where Dr. Maarten Sierhuis, Director, Nissan Research Center, Silicon Valley unveiled their concept of  a remote management center that would oversee self-driving and driverless operations and provide remote assistance in challenging situations.  While the example presented seemed overly simplified and may not scale, the concept of a remote assistance center seems to be an obvious and necessary element to address challenges, deadlocks and breakdowns at least in near-term deployments.
3.  "Global Scalability of AVs" where  Dr. Karl Iagnemma, CEO, nuTonomy, presented nuTonomy's experience in developing a Self-driving vehicle for the very different driving environments of Singapore (very nice and "easy") and Boston ("challenging").  Localization IS important.
4.  "Deep Learning and Highly Automated Vehicles" where Robert Seidl, Managing Director, Motus Ventures gave an excellent summary of the opportunities and challenges of using Deep Learning to safely drive AVs.
5.  "Systematic and Data-Driven Approaches to Autonomous Vehicle Testing and Certification"  where Michael Wagner, Co-Founder and CEO, Edge Case Research, extended some of Robert Seidl's comments on Deep Learning and the challenges of testing and certification of AV's based on Deep Learning.  My contention is that Virtual Reality simulations will play a very large role not only in the testing and certification, but also in the training (creation/teaching) and the enhancement (retraining/higher education) of the Safe-driving Deep Learning AI. 
6.  "Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Automated Highway Systems Demo '97" where Richard Bishop, Principal, Bishop Consulting; Kevin Dopart, U.S. Department of Transportation and Dr. Steve Shladover, University of California PATH Program reminded everyone that it had been 20 years since the AHS demos.  The basic difference from 20 years ago is that back then it was assumed that the roadway played an active part in the lateral control of the vehicles (magnets, conducting wire, ...) AND that the roadways were used exclusively by automated vehicles (no mixed use).  What may well be a better "1st" is Dean Pomerleau and Todd Jochem's "No Hands Across America" that performed the lateral  steering on unmodified  roads in 1995 (with human longitudinal control) .  It wasn't until the DARPA Challenges in 2004-2007 that the thought of operating AVs in mixed traffic on unprepared roads really emerged.  I prefer to use the DARPA Challenges as the "beginning" and equate that to the Benz Patent # 47435 of the automobile on January 29, 1886.  In comparing the evolutions:  the one  from buggy whip to steering wheel, using the Benz patent as the "start" and our current evolution from the Steering wheel to "being chauffeured" in aTaxis using the DARPA Challenges as its beginning, I'd then place us at about "1898" in the comparison and suggest that SmartDrivingCar's "Henry Ford" has not yet emerged. 
7. "Drones, Loops, and Robotaxis: A City Roadmap to Our Hyper-Uber Future" where Seleta Reynolds, General Manager, Los Angeles Department of Transportation, presented some real insight and extremely creative designs and uses of automated vehicle technology.  In my view this was the best of the many excellent plenary presentation and began to display some thought as to how AVs can begin to change urban design.   Anyone who is involved with urban planning today should look at the slides from this presentation.
8.  "Identifying and Addressing Non-Technical Key Research Questions: Infrastructure, where Shailen Bhatt, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Transportation, presented many of the issues facing DoTs in enabling and the deployment of SmatDrivingCars in Colorado.  Reference was made to Otto's demonstration of a driverless truck in Colorado.  Yes, it was a nice demonstration of a truck being able to drive on a freeway; unfortunately, it was totally INAPPROPRIATE for the trailer to be signed with a beer company.  Any, even remote, implication that the technology driving the truck can drive you after you've been drinking is WRONG!!! Why wasn't it a Coca-Cola trailer, or a Starbucks trailer or a Dunkin' Donuts trailer, or???   Anything but an adult beverage trailer!!!  Colorado DoT should NOT have permitted it or been any part of it.  Absolutely the wrong product placement!!!  
9.  "Serving the Needs of All through Better Design" , where Dr. Edward Steinfeld, SUNY Distinguished Professor of Architecture and Director, IDeA Center, School of Architecture and Planning University at Buffalo, SUNY, provided many examples of real needs by mobility challenged individuals that can be served through better design of AVs from the beginning rather than as an afterthought.  All who are involved in the design of vehicles and services should be aware of the design concepts in this presentation.  Alain

[log in to unmask]" alt="">The Maturation of the Autonomous Vehicle Space

K. Pyle, July 14, "Reflecting upon the comments and insight from this week’s Automated Vehicle Symposium 2017, the automated vehicle space feels like the Video on Demand space did a couple of decades ago. The technology wizards are making great progress and its obvious the industry is maturing because there are multiple companies addressing both mainstream challenges, as well as corner cases. Still, like video on demand, technology will probably not be the biggest hurdle to autonomous vehicle adoption, but ease-of-use and trust in the technology will probably represent the biggest challenges...."  Read more  Hmmmm... A thoughtful reflection on the Symposium.  Thank you Ken.  Alain

[log in to unmask]" alt=""> SAE Level 5 Driverless Cars Are Not Just Around the Corner

M. Sena, July 2017, "...In my opinion, the harm occurs when we—you and I—start believing the hype, when fantasy and fiction become alternative facts. There are so many important and truly useful projects that could engage all the bright minds that are now focused on hitting the self-driving jackpot...
 ...The problem seems to be the careless use of all the various terms: autonomous; automated and highly automated; driverless; self-driving.  A vehicle can be self-driving, but that does not mean it can operate if there is no driver in the vehicle..." Read more  Hmmmm...Again are really thoughtful issue on SmartDrivingCars as well as "The Paris Agreement: Not Really the Real Deal" and "The Car and Truck Business is a High Stakes Game" that are must reads. Congratulations Michael.  Alain  

[log in to unmask]" alt=""> House subcommittee approves self-driving car legislation

H. Neidig, July 19, "A House panel advanced a bill on Wednesday that would ease restrictions on self-driving cars, allowing automakers to manufacture up to 100,000 autonomous vehicles a year.  The legislation, which passed the House Commerce consumer protection subcommittee by voice vote, would exempt that yearly allotment from safety standards and would also pre-empt state laws concerning driverless cars.

If it’s signed into law, the legislation would be the first to address the budding autonomous vehicle industry...." Read more  Hmmmm...Read the legislation.  It contains a lot more than just the "100,000 vehicle" exemption and it remains far from being passed by both houses, etc.  Alain

[log in to unmask]" alt="" height="45" width="54"> Uncovered: NHTSA Levels of 1900 (Satire)

B. Templeton, July 19, "I have recently managed to dig up some old documents from the earliest days of car regulation. Here is a report from NHTSA on the state of affairs near the turn of the 20th century.  National Horse Trail Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Regulation of new Horse-Auto-mobile Vehicles (HAV), sometimes known as “Horseless carriages.”.." Read more  Hmmmm... A small correction... It is New York State that requires the State Police to "serve as the preceding " ... footman waving a red flag or lantern to warn bystanders of the approach of the vehicle..."

On a more serious note, this piece highlights the caution that we should be taking with trying to impose legislation on a technology that is very much in its infancy.  As I have noted above, we are still in the 19th Century, ~1898, in our evolution from "steering wheel" to "driverless".  In office was the 55th Congress dealing with the sinking of the battleship Maine in Cuba which led tot he Spanish -American War. Neither the United States Senate Committee on Railroads,  the United States Senate Select Committee on the Transportation and Sale of Meat Products which dealt with pricing and collusion in the meat packing industry, nor the United States Senate Committee on Transportation Routes to the Seaboard which focused on rail and waterway transportation, found it necessary to formulate or debate legislation about the emerging technological revolution in mobility.  Yet, Henry Ford was building a gasoline-powered horseless carriage in the shed behind his home in 1896, completing his 2nd vehicle in 1898 and founding the start-up, the Detroit Automobile Company, on August 4, 1899.  The reality of the ensuing automobile revolution was as impossible to imagine then as it is most challenging for us today to imagine the ramifications. both near term and long term. of driverless technology.  It is way too early to legislate and regulate other than erecting welcome signs and removing roadblocks.  Even in the most grim scenarios the downside is infinitesimal.  

Also, since Brad brought up the gender issue, isn't it time for AUVSI to change its name.  My beef is with the term "unmanned." It is bad enough that the SmartDrivingCar field is overwhelmingly male (my guess is that attendance at the AV Symposium was more than 90% male), but why put gender in everyone's face with the antiquated term, "unmanned?" This technology has nothing to do with maleness or gender.  Why not use "driverless" or a similarly inclusive alternative? If there are others of you who feel the same way, please stand with me in encouraging the AUVSI board to modernize its name or for TRB to look for another partner for its AV Symposium.  I, for one, felt uncomfortable every time I experienced the name at the AV Symposium.  The term "unmanned" is unnecessary at best, offensive at worst and should simply be changed. Alain

[log in to unmask]" alt="">FCC approves new spectrum for vehicle radar systems

D. Shepardson, July 13, "... The FCC first approved 1 GHz of spectrum in 1995 for motor vehicles to use radar that allowed for the introduction of collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control systems that are credited with preventing tens of thousands of crashes annually.  Thursday's decision expands the band that vehicle radars can operate to 5 GHz of spectrum and will improve lane departure warning, blind spot detection systems, automatic braking and pedestrian detection, the FCC said.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said the agency was giving automakers "the bandwidth needed" to allow "proven technologies that enable services like collision avoidance, blind spot monitoring, and lane change assistance" and allow for "new innovations."...The vote harmonizes vehicle spectrum with European rules that could allow automakers to bring technologies to the U.S. market faster, the FCC said...." Read more  Hmmmm...Excellent! Alain

[log in to unmask]" alt=""> ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: THE NEXT DIGITAL FRONTIER?

J. Bughin, June 2017,  "In this independent discussion paper, we examine investment in artificial intelligence (AI), describe how it is being deployed by companies that have started to use these technologies across sectors, and aim to explore its potential to become a major business disrupter. To do this, we looked at AI through several lenses. We analyzed the total investment landscape bringing together both investment of large corporations and funding from venture capital and private equity funds. We also reviewed the portfolio plays of major internet companies, the dynamics in AI ecosystems from Shenzhen to New York, and a wide range of case studies. As part of our primary research, we surveyed more than 3,000 senior executives on the use of AI technologies, their companies’ prospects for further deployment, and AI’s impact on markets, governments, and individuals. This report also leverages the resources of McKinsey Analytics, a global practice that helps clients achieve better performance through data. The research was conducted jointly with Digital McKinsey, a global practice that designs and implements digital transformations...." Read more  Hmmmm...Very interesting; although, in the end, there may not be a bigger consumer of AI than SmartDrivingCars sharing existing roads with conventional drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.  Alain

[log in to unmask]" alt="" class="" height="24" width="156">Cadillac Super Cruise hands-free driving software takes on Tesla Autopilot

R. Mitchell, July 13, "...“This is the first system … where the car is doing the driving, and the human is overseeing it,” he said. “It’s an explicitly hands-off system.” 

Advanced as it appears to be, the system cannot be considered in any way “driverless.” The human driver remains responsible for the operation of the car — functionally, and legally.

Super Cruise includes a tiny camera that tracks eye and head movement to make sure the driver is paying attention to the road, ready to take control if needed. Look away from the windshield too long — 10 seconds or so — and the car will flash warnings and sound alarms with increasing urgency, and eventually ease to a stop if no action’s taken.  Tesla Autopilot and systems from Mercedes-Benz and BMW don't use head tracking. They require drivers to return hands briefly to the steering wheel for a few moments after a short passage of time to keep automatic steering engaged.

This week, Audi said it introduced what it calls the “AI Traffic Jam Pilot” on its top-line A8 limousine, capable of driving hands-free on in a single lane on divided highways at up to 37 miles per hour.   The Cadillac system operates at highway cruising speeds. For now, Super Cruise will be available only on the 2018 CT6, Cadillac’s flagship sedan. Dealers will start receiving those cars in September. Cadillac hasn’t priced the option yet, but competing systems run several thousand dollars. Already, an option-loaded CT6 runs near $90,000. 

....Cadillac invited the Los Angeles Times to try a CT6 sedan equipped with Super Cruise for an hour along Interstate 280 in Silicon Valley. A lot of time was spent with arms folded, looking down, sideways, and backwards at length to see when the warnings would kick in...The I-280 trip was too short to make a thorough assessment of the technology, but Super Cruise provided a silky smooth ride with no wobbling...."  Read more  Hmmmm...Very interesting and thorough report.  Unfortunately,  it still hasn't arrived in showrooms.  Alain

[log in to unmask]" alt="" height="17" width="117"> Faraday Future ditches plan for electric car plant

A. Noon, July, 11, "An electric car maker deserted its plan to construct a $1 billion manufacturing plant in southern Nevada in a move experts say could spell trouble for the company and the broader niche electric automobile businesses.   Faraday Future Chief Financial Officer Stefan Krause said Monday’s decision to scrap the plant was due to a shift in business strategy..." Read more  Hmmmm...  Does this surprise anyone??? Alain

---

Some other thoughts that deserve your attention

[log in to unmask]" alt="" class="" height="24" width="156"> United Airlines considers reselling seats to travelers who will pay more

 H, Martin, July 14, "United Airlines is considering a program that pays passengers to give up their booked seats so that the carrier can resell them for a higher price to other fliers..." Read more  Hmmmm...As of it isn't enough what they are doing now in the overbooking of flights for which every overbooked seat is being sold at the very highest price which has gained them extraordinary profits (an in my opinion has them delivering barely adequate service (I'm essentially a captive customer because of their market dominance Newark Airport)).  Oh well, I shall grin and bear it because alternatives are worse.  I can't wait for a long-distance Self-driving car.  No more flying on trips of less than ~700 miles!!  Alain  

---

http://orfe.princeton.edu/~alaink/SmartDrivingCars/Papers/

---

---

Half-baked stuff that probably doesn't deserve your time

[log in to unmask]" alt="" height="24" width="122"> How do the semi-autonomous systems in the new Audi A8 stack up?

S. Collie, July 12, "... The company is billing Audi AI as the first autonomous driving system to reach Level 3 capability, also known as Conditional Automation. That essentially means when the system is active, drivers (and we use that word advisedly) can flip through a magazine or compose an email, but they still need to be ready to retake control in case the car is flummoxed by particularly tricky road conditions.

At the moment, the Level 3 AI Traffic Jam Pilot operates in stop/start traffic up to 60 km/h (37 mph). It can only be turned on when the car is on freeways with a barrier separating traffic heading in the other direction, and handles the throttle, braking and steering...." Read more  Hmmmm..."first" what??? Good thing nobody understands what "Level 3" is.  How does one compose email and still be ready to retake control???  Is VW going to train the drivers of these A8s to perform this feat?  In comparison with the others, the Audi seems to be 3rd, not first (and maybe even 4th if one includes Cadillac).  Oh well, this is a marketing blurb and should be taken as half-baked.  I encourage you to go to a "showroom" and test drive what is actually available to buy.  Please send me your comparison which I will compile.  Alain 

---

C'mon Man!  (These folks didn't get/read the memo

---

Calendar of Upcoming Events:

---

Recent Highlights of:

[log in to unmask]" class="" height="76" width="129" border="0">

Sunday, July 09, 2017

[log in to unmask]" alt="" class=""> Active Safety-Collision Warning Pilot in Washington State, IDEA Program Final Report

J. Lutin, May 19 "The Rosco/Mobileye Shield+ system is a collision avoidance warning system (CAWS) specifically designed for transit buses. This project involved field testing and evaluation of the CAWS in revenue service over a three-month period. The system provides alerts and warnings to the bus driver for the following conditions that could lead to a collision: 1) changing lanes without activating a turn signal (lane departure warning was disabled for this pilot), 2) exceeding posted speed limit, 3) monitoring headway with the vehicle leading the bus, 4) forward vehicle collision warning, and 5) pedestrian or cyclist collision warning in front of, or alongside the bus. Alerts and warnings are displayed to the driver by visual indicators located on the windshield and front pillars. Audible warnings are issued when collisions are imminent. ..."   Read more  Hmmmm... Very interesting.  This is the first substantive report of realities of retrofiring existing transit buses with active safety collision-warning technology.  Anyone in the public transit industry should be paying attention to this report.  This is the very beginning of actually implementing safety-oriented automated technology in transit buses and it was motivated and led by insurance (Jerry Spears & Al Hatten @ WSTIP + Mike Scrudato @ Munich Re). Insurance finally stepping up and leading. Alain

Sunday, June 25, 2017

Monday, June 19, 2017

[log in to unmask]" alt="" class="" height="39" width="50"> Amazon Deal for Whole Foods Starts a Supermarket War

R. Abrams, June 16, "Shares of Walmart, Target, Kroger and Costco, the largest grocery retailers, all tumbled on Friday. And no wonder..  Grocery stores have spent the last several years fighting against online and overseas entrants. But now, with its $13.4 billion purchase of Whole Foods, Amazon has effectively started a supermarket war.  Armed with giant warehouses, shopper data, the latest technology and nearly endless funds — and now with Whole Foods’ hundreds of physical stores — Amazon is poised to reshape an $800 billion grocery market that is already undergoing many changes...."  Read more  Hmmmm... Since Jeff Bezos doesn't need to have you impulse buy on your walk through the store while you get a quart of milk, he simply has to get you click on organic milk and he'll present you with everything you absolutely can't checkout without.  All he then needs is to get all those impulse buys (and the quart of organic milk) to your home from the hundreds of physical stores.  That's where low speed driverless local delivery vans come in (operating initially in the early morning hours when the streets connecting those stores to our houses are completely empty and simply drop off everything you'll need for the day ahead in your "Amazon Box" that's replaced your 20th Century mailbox).  So in the end it will be Jeff Bezos'86 battling Eric Schmit'76 for deploying the first fleets of driverless vehicles sharing our neighborhood streets. If they should decide to join forces and have these vehicles providing mobility whenever anyone wants to travel and moving groceries and other goods the rest of the time, watch-out!!! Then everybody wins!! (except Walmart, Target, Kroger and Costco)  See also..Amazon and Whole Foods and Self-Driving Cars    Alain

Sunday, May 28, 2017