In autonomous and self-driving vehicle news are NHTSA, Waymo, aiMotive, Safran, Plus, Emergency Safety Solutions and Seyond.
NHTSA Proposes Voluntary Framework for Oversight of Automated Driving Systems
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed a voluntary framework called the ADS-equipped Vehicle Safety, Transparency, and Evaluation Program (AV STEP). Designed for vehicles with automated driving systems (ADS), AV STEP aims to establish a national framework for evaluating and overseeing these technologies.
Open to all ADS operators, including those requiring exemptions, the program seeks to enhance transparency, promote public trust, and support responsible development. It aligns with the National Roadway Safety Strategy launched in 2022 and incorporates third-party assessments for application reviews.
AV STEP would also introduce two new exemption processes to complement NHTSA’s existing regulations, offering flexibility as ADS technology evolves. Public comments on the proposal can be submitted via the Federal Register under docket No. NHTSA-2024-0100.
aiMotive and Safran Partner to Advance Testing of Autonomous Driving Systems
aiMotive, a leader in AI and simulation technologies, has partnered with Safran Electronics & Defense to enhance testing and validation of automated driving (AD) systems. The collaboration combines Safran’s advanced GNSS simulation technology with aiMotive’s aiSim platform, providing a realistic testing environment for AD and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
As vehicles progress toward higher levels of autonomy, GNSS systems play a critical role in providing accurate positioning. However, challenges like signal interference, cybersecurity threats, and urban environments require robust testing. Safran’s Skydel-powered simulators and aiSim’s configurations enable automakers to rigorously test sensors and software under complex real-world conditions.
The partnership aims to accelerate innovation while ensuring the safety, reliability, and performance of next-generation ADAS and AD technologies, addressing vulnerabilities early in development and fostering trust in automated driving solutions.
Waymo in Japan
Konnichiwa and hello, Japan! Waymo is thrilled to announce its partnership with Nihon Kotsu and GO to bring autonomous vehicles to Tokyo for the company’s first international road trip. In Tokyo, the Waymo Driver will learn to navigate left-hand traffic and adapt to the unique driving nuances of one of the world’s most densely populated urban environments.
This road trip offers Waymo an opportunity to collaborate with local partners, government officials, and community groups to better understand the city’s transportation landscape. The initiative aims to explore how Waymo can serve Tokyo’s residents and integrate as a valuable part of the city’s transportation ecosystem. At every stage, Waymo will take a rigorous approach to validating the safety and performance of its technology.
This expansion aligns with Japan’s forward-looking vision for the future of transportation. Both the Japanese National and Tokyo Metropolitan governments have actively worked to address evolving societal transportation needs and encourage the adoption of innovative technologies to enhance safety and mobility. Waymo is engaging with Japanese policymakers, regulators, and local safety officials to ensure the responsible and seamless integration of its technology into Tokyo’s streets.
The first Waymo all-electric Jaguar I-PACEs are set to arrive in Tokyo in early 2025. Nihon Kotsu, Tokyo’s largest taxi company, will oversee the management and servicing of these vehicles. Nihon Kotsu’s team is being trained to operate vehicles equipped with the Waymo Driver, starting with manually mapping key areas of the city. These areas include Minato, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Chiyoda, Chūō, Shinagawa, and Kōtō.
Through this initial phase, Waymo aims to gain valuable insights to accelerate the development of the Waymo Driver. By leveraging simulation, the company will evaluate how its AI-powered driver generalizes to new environments. This expansion follows Waymo’s best-in-class safety framework, which has guided the company from the first fully autonomous ride on public roads to tens of millions of miles on U.S. roads—and soon, its first kilometers in Tokyo.
Waymo looks forward to sharing updates as it introduces its technology to Tokyo residents and progresses through this exciting journey.
Plus & Emergency Safety Solutions
Plus, a leader in autonomous driving software, has teamed up with Emergency Safety Solutions
(ESS) to integrate H.E.L.P.® Alerts into its SuperDrive™ Level 4 autonomous trucking system. This partnership enhances safety protocols by equipping trucks with advanced emergency warning systems, including high-frequency flashing lights and digital alerts broadcast to navigation apps and dashboards, alerting drivers to disabled vehicles. Plus CEO David Liu emphasized the importance of safety, noting that this collaboration helps the company move closer to readiness for commercial driverless operations. ESS COO Stephen Powers highlighted the transformative impact of autonomous trucking on road and public safety.
Helm.ai Unveils GenSim-2: A Leap in Generative AI for Autonomous Driving
Helm.ai has launched GenSim-2, its advanced generative AI model for creating and modifying video data tailored to autonomous driving. Building on its predecessor, GenSim-2 introduces cutting-edge video editing capabilities, including dynamic weather adjustments, object appearance modifications, and consistent multi-camera support. Automakers can now enrich datasets with realistic, scenario-specific video data, addressing rare corner cases and reducing reliance on traditional data collection methods. Powered by Helm.ai’s proprietary Deep Teaching™ methodology, GenSim-2 accelerates the development of robust autonomous systems, offering scalable, cost-effective solutions to bridge the gap between simulation and real-world conditions.
Seyond to Showcase Advanced LiDAR Innovations at CES 2025
Seyond, a global leader in LiDAR solutions, will unveil its latest advancements at CES 2025, January 7–10, in Las Vegas. At Booth #5060 in the West Hall, Seyond will demonstrate how its cutting-edge LiDAR technology is shaping the future of automotive, robotics, intelligent transportation, and smart infrastructure by enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
Key innovations on display include:
- Falcon K: Ultra-long-range sensor with over 500m detection, proven reliability, and precision for applications like autonomous driving and smart infrastructure.
- Robin W: Compact wide field-of-view sensor for blind spot monitoring and robotics applications, delivering high-resolution data at an affordable price.
- Robin E1X: Long-range, power-efficient sensor designed for seamless vehicle integration and large-scale production.
- Seyond ITS Management Platform (SIMPL): LiDAR-powered software platform for optimizing traffic safety, tolling, and maintenance planning.
Live demonstrations will highlight Seyond’s sensors in action, including integration into a Robot Dog for navigation and Clearpath Robotics’ Jackal for advanced obstacle avoidance. Seyond will also promote its campaign to transition users from rotational to directional LiDAR systems for improved performance and reliability.
Seyond invites CES attendees to explore these innovative solutions and learn how they advance safety and precision across industries.