In autonomous and self-driving vehicle news are GM, Nuro, May Mobility, Tier IV, onSemi and Lotus Robotics.
GM 20-Vehicle AV Caravan in SF
General Motors (GM) recently made history by organizing the largest hands-free driving caravan using all 20 of its Super Cruise-enabled models across the Bay Bridge between San Francisco and Oakland. Super Cruise, launched in 2017, is the industry’s first true hands-free advanced driver assistance system. GM offers the widest selection of vehicles with this capability—20 models, compared to fewer than nine from competitors—and is the only automaker providing hands-free towing.
With offerings at multiple price points, GM aims to expand accessibility to Super Cruise technology, enhancing comfort and convenience for more customers. The caravan featured vehicles from brands like Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC, including popular models such as the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC HUMMER EV Pickup. GM plans further expansion of Super Cruise to future models, continuing to lead in hands-free driving innovation.
Nuro Expands L4 in CA & TX
Nuro has announced a major expansion of its Level 4 (L4) driverless technology, deploying zero-occupant vehicles powered by the AI-driven Nuro Driver system across multiple cities in California and Texas. This move strengthens Nuro’s position as a leading autonomous vehicle technology provider in the U.S., with one of the country’s largest L4 deployments. The expanded deployment areas include Mountain View and Palo Alto, CA, with an 83% increase, and Houston, TX, with a 70% increase.
The expansion features significant operational advancements, such as multi-lane road operations at speeds up to 35 mph, improved navigation of complex scenarios, and night operations. Nuro’s system, which has logged over one million autonomous miles without at-fault incidents, emphasizes safety and reliability. The company’s cost-effective, automotive-grade technology aims to accelerate the adoption of autonomous solutions, with plans to license its Nuro Driver platform to partners.
May Mobility No-Driver Testing in Ann Arbor
May Mobility, an autonomous driving technology firm, has launched its second driverless operation in the U.S., conducting “driver-out” testing on Ann Arbor’s busy and complex surface streets. This milestone follows its debut in Sun City, Arizona, less than a year ago, and showcases the scalability of its Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) technology, designed to adapt to unpredictable conditions in real-time.
The Ann Arbor program includes upgraded autonomy hardware, enhanced accessibility features, and a Tele-Assist platform for real-time vehicle monitoring and passenger support. With 10 active deployments and plans to expand to 13 by year’s end, May Mobility aims to bring driverless operations to new locations, including Peachtree Corners, GA in 2025, while advancing collaborations with partners like Toyota, NTT, and Lyft.
TIER IV Unveils Minibus 2.0: Advanced Level 4 Autonomous Electric Bus
TIER IV, the creator of the world’s first open-source autonomous driving software, has launched Minibus 2.0, an upgraded version of its fanfare lineup designed to meet Japan’s Level 4 autonomous driving standards. Building on the success of Minibus 1.0, the new model introduces enhanced safety features, including a robust redundancy system, and a next-gen architecture for optimized autonomous performance.
Equipped with advanced sensors such as LiDARs, traffic light detection cameras, and GNSS, Minibus 2.0 integrates seamlessly with TIER IV’s Pilot.Auto platform, enabling customizable and scalable deployments. Initial deliveries are set for late 2024, with plans to expand operations locally in Japan and explore global markets. TIER IV’s open-source approach continues to lead the way in autonomous vehicle innovation.
onsemi Partners with Subaru to Power Next-Gen EyeSight System with Advanced Image Sensors
onsemi (Nasdaq: ON) has been selected as the primary supplier of image sensors for Subaru’s upcoming EyeSight stereo-camera front sensing system. The Hyperlux AR0823AT image sensor will play a critical role as the “eyes” of the system, capturing high-quality visual data to support Subaru’s AI-driven algorithms for safer and more accurate driving decisions.
The Hyperlux AR0823AT offers advanced features like whole pixel design for clear imaging in diverse lighting conditions, synchronized capture for stereo vision, and High Dynamic Range (HDR) for detailed visibility in both bright and shadowed areas. Additionally, the sensor adheres to Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) C standards, ensuring functional safety and system reliability.
Lotus Robotics Secures $130M in Contracts for Intelligent Driving Solutions
Lotus Technology Inc. announced that its subsidiary, Lotus Robotics, has achieved contracts worth approximately $130 million for its advanced intelligent driving solutions. These agreements, spanning Europe, Japan, and other key markets, highlight global recognition of Lotus’ proprietary technologies.
Over 40% of the contracts originate from Europe and other international regions, with close to 10 vehicle models set to feature Lotus Robotics’ solutions within the next 2-3 years. CEO Qingfeng Feng emphasized that these partnerships with global automotive leaders demonstrate the company’s commitment to advancing intelligent mobility and fostering sustainable growth.
Lotus Technology focuses on luxury electric vehicles and cutting-edge automobility innovations, with operations in the UK, EU, and China.