In autonomous and self-driving vehicle news are Aeva, Torc, Ansys, Coganta, Microsoft, DHL, Oxa and Waymo.
Don’t forget to check out all the autonomous and self-driving news from CES.
Aeva and Torc Expand Collaboration to Enhance Autonomous Truck Safety
Aeva and Torc Robotics, a subsidiary of Daimler Truck, have announced an expanded partnership to advance Level 4 (L4) autonomous trucking. The collaboration focuses on integrating Aeva’s 4D LiDAR technology with Torc’s Virtual Driver software, utilizing the Freightliner Cascadia platform for long-range sensing. This partnership aims to refine a new safety architecture, enabling autonomous trucks to make safer, smarter decisions.
The collaboration builds on a prior production agreement where Daimler Truck selected Aeva as the supplier of long and ultra-long range LiDAR for its autonomous truck program, targeting commercialization by 2027. The strengthened partnership involves joint data sharing and deeper integration across global engineering teams.
Torc CEO Peter Vaughan Schmidt emphasized the leadership of both companies in autonomous driving innovation, while Aeva CEO Soroush Salehian highlighted the collaborative efforts to bring safer autonomous trucks to market at scale.
This expanded effort reaffirms both companies’ commitment to revolutionizing freight transport with innovative and reliable autonomous solutions.
Ansys, Cognata, and Microsoft Collaborate to Advance Virtual Sensor Validation for Autonomous Vehicles
Ansys has partnered with Cognata and Microsoft to enhance the Automated Driving Perception Hub (ADPH), a web-based platform hosted on Microsoft Azure that enables OEMs to test and validate ADAS/AV sensors in realistic virtual environments. Powered by Ansys AVxcelerate Sensors™, the platform integrates high-fidelity radar and electromagnetic wave simulation, leveraging AMD EPYC™ processors and Radeon™ PRO GPUs.
ADPH offers manufacturer-certified virtual sensor models, including LiDAR, thermal cameras, and radar systems, to meet regulatory standards like NHTSA and NCAP. The inclusion of Ansys’ physics-based radar simulations provides enhanced predictive accuracy for sensor performance, streamlining safety validation. This collaboration empowers the automotive industry to refine sensor technologies critical for autonomous driving.
DHL and Heathrow Complete Milestone Autonomous Vehicle Deployment
DHL Supply Chain has successfully completed its first autonomous vehicle deployment in live airport traffic at Heathrow, covering 1,300 kilometers in 14 days. This pilot project, leveraging Oxa’s self-driving software, is part of DHL’s ongoing partnership with Heathrow, aimed at optimizing airside operations through innovation and sustainability.
The trial demonstrated the potential of autonomous vehicles for inter-terminal baggage transfers, a critical operation moving over 60,000 bags monthly. The autonomous vehicle integrated seamlessly into Heathrow’s airside environment without requiring special modifications, achieving all safety and performance benchmarks.
The project’s long-term vision includes transitioning to electric vans and tow tractors, advancing sustainable logistics at scale. Heathrow officials emphasized the transformative potential of autonomous solutions in enhancing operational efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and supporting future capacity.
DHL, Heathrow, and Oxa view this milestone as a significant step toward fully automated airside logistics, setting a foundation for sustainable, scalable advancements in airport operations.
Waymo Explains Security Measures After Attempted Robotaxi Theft in Los Angeles
Waymo, the autonomous ride-hailing service, detailed its security protocols following an incident in downtown Los Angeles where a man allegedly attempted to steal one of its driverless Jaguar I-PACE robotaxis. The suspect, believed to be under the influence, was found in the driver’s seat and taken into custody by LAPD.
Waymo emphasized that its vehicles are designed to prevent unauthorized manual operation. If an unauthorized individual occupies the driver’s seat, Waymo’s Rider Support team intervenes remotely and can coordinate with law enforcement if necessary. The company confirmed that similar incidents have been rare, occurring only a handful of times out of over 5 million rides.