AI-SEE- Artificial Intelligence enhancing vehicle vision in low visibility conditions project

In the AI-SEE project, a PENTA EURIPIDES² labelled research project is taking seriously the mission impossible – 24/7 automated driving in poor visibility conditions. 21 partners comprising world class players on the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and supplier level will join forces over a period of three years to build a novel, robust sensor system supported by artificial intelligence for low visibility conditions. The result will be a robust, fault-tolerant multi-sensor perception system. It will be functional in practically all lighting and weather conditions in 24h/365-day mode enabling safe automated driving at SAE Level 4. The project led by Mercedes-Benz AG kicked off on June 2021.

The project is co-developing broad spectrum of complex hardware and software development needed to tackle this currently considered blind spot of automated vehicles. Specifically, the state-of-the-art fault tolerant multi-sensor perception system supported by AI processing scheme will be presented and the related R&I challenges of implementing self-diagnosis, adaptation and robustness discussed. Furthermore, the requirements for inclement weather data collection and sensor near transformation models for synthetic datasets generation will be outlined.

On 31 August and 1 September, 2023, the AI-SEE consortium convened for its 2nd Consortium Meeting at the VTT premises in Tampere, Finland. This gathering brought together over 30 participants with the primary objectives of reviewing the technical accomplishments achieved during the 2nd project year and aligning efforts for the project’s completion in 2024.

 

During the meeting, notable progress was showcased through the presentation of project demonstration vehicles by VTT, Unikie, Magna/Veoneer, and Patria. This marked a crucial integration milestone in the validation process of the AI-SEE platform.

Additionally, a collaborative testing campaign took place in Padasjoki, Finland, where the Patria off-road land demonstrator, equipped with automotive sensing components, underwent successful testing on forest terrain typical of Finland. This achievement underscored the adaptability and effectiveness of the AI-SEE perception system in diverse domains.

About AI-SEE

AI-SEE is a co-labelled PENTA and EURIPIDES2 project endorsed by EUREKA. National Funding Authorities are Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), Business Finland, Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP). EURIPIDES² is a EUREKA Cluster promoting the generation of innovative, industry-driven, pre-competitive R&D projects in the area of Smart Electronic Systems. Twenty organisations have committed to build a novel, robust sensing system supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI) that enables automated travel in variable traffic and weather conditions.

Project duration: 36 months, starting on 1st June 2021

Total costs: €20 million

Funding from national public authorities (co-labelled by PENTA and EURIPIDES²): €10 million

Coordinator: Mercedes-Benz AG

 

Partners:

OEMs: Mercedes-Benz AG, Patria Land Oy

Automotive Suppliers: Magna/Veoneer Sweden AB, Robert Bosch GmbH, AVL List GmbH, Brightway Vision Ltd., ams-OSRAM AG, Torc Europe GmbH, Torc CND Robotics Inc.

Research Institutes: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Universität Stuttgart, CARISSMA Institute of Automated Driving, Stiftung für Lasertechnologien in der Medizin und Meßtechnik an der Universität Ulm

Engineering Companies: Ansys Germany GmbH, Meluta Oy, UNIKIE Oy, OQmented GmbH, FIFTY2 Technology GmbH, Basemark Oy, AstaZero AB

Kempower Solutions: Powering Up the World’s Largest Fast-Charging Plaza for Electric Trucks and Off-Highway Vehicles

Kempower solutions now available at the world’s largest fast-charging plaza for electric trucks and off-highway vehicles

  • WattHub, the world’s largest fast-charging plaza for electric trucks and off-highway vehicles, has officially opened in the Netherlands. 
  • The site features six 600kW Kempower Power Units and 36 Kempower Satellites, delivering a total capacity of 3.6MW.
  • TSG Netherlands designed and built the entire WattHub charging plaza, including supplying and installing the Kempower chargers.

Kempower has supplied its fast-charging solutions for WattHub, which has officially opened in the Dutch town of Geldermalsen. The facility, the world’s largest fast-charging plaza for electric trucks and off-highway vehicles, was designed and built by TSG Netherlands. The King of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander, attended the opening event of the charging plaza on Thursday, September 28, 2023.

The establishment of WattHub signifies a pivotal milestone in advancing the construction industry towards eco-friendly, zero-emission technology driven by renewable energy sources.

At WattHub, the Kempower charging system boasts an impressive 3.6MW total capacity, comprising six 600kW Kempower Power Units and 36 Kempower Satellites. These satellites are organized into groups of six, providing charging capabilities ranging from 25kW to 400kW – the fastest charging speeds available in the Netherlands. Situated conveniently between Rotterdam and the German highway, the Geldermalsen location is poised to become a crucial stopover for electric truck drivers in the years ahead.

Kempower has further contributed its Kempower ChargEye Depot Master charging management software to WattHub, a cloud-based system that ensures secure charging monitoring and management. It optimizes electricity costs and dynamically allocates power to the chargers, effectively eliminating any risk of overcapacity.

TSG Netherlands played a pivotal role in designing and constructing the entire WattHub charging plaza. This included the supply and installation of Kempower chargers and transformer stations, in addition to overseeing all related electrical infrastructure. Notably, the facility operates exclusively on wind and solar power.

Read the original news from Kempower’s website.
The picture in the article is from the same article.

Media enquiries:

Paula Savonen, VP, Communications, Kempower

paula.savonen@kempower.com

+358 400 343 851

Kempower in brief

We design and manufacture reliable and user-friendly DC fast-charging solutions for electric vehicles. Our vision is to create the world’s most desired EV charging solutions for everyone, everywhere. Our product development and production are based in Finland, with the majority of our materials and components sourced locally. We focus on all areas of e-mobility, from electric cars, trucks, and buses to machines and marine. Our modular and scalable charging system and world-class software are designed by EV drivers for EV drivers, enabling the best user experience for our customers around the world. Kempower is listed in the Nasdaq First North Growth Market Finland.

www.kempower.com

Skoda Group’s Innovative Partnership with Tampere Tramway Ltd – Pioneering Passenger Counting System Testing in Tampere’s Lyyli Living Lab

Skoda Group is in an era where AI continually evolves and leaves its mark across various sectors. In our industry, we are no exception as we explore the full potential of our new intelligent AI-based passenger counting system, developed by our colleagues in Finland. We work on integrating it into public transportation in the near future.

This system accurately calculates passenger inflow and outflow at each stop, and what is remarkable is its ability to account for dogs, bicycles, wheelchairs, and strollers. Passengers will soon have access to real-time occupancy information for every tram. They can choose the least crowded, spacious module for their journey. Even people with allergies can select a tram or module free from furry companions.

Skoda Group is thrilled about our collaboration with Tampereen Raitiotie Oy/ Tampere Tramway Ltd., who facilitated the testing of the passenger counting system in Tampere. It was tested on tram Lyyli, the first one delivered to our customer. Each tram has its name there, and Lyyli’s name inspired the Lyyli Living Lab project. This unique testing environment for smart urban mobility in Tampere is where various smart solutions for smart cities are developed.

We strive to enhance your public transportation experience intelligently.

Read the story and watch a short video from the subject at Skoda Group LinkedIn feed

Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise and Nokia have joined forces to participate in the Grand Paris rail project

A collaborative “Technology for Good” alliance between a prominent communications technology provider and a firm specializing in networking, communications, and cloud solutions is bolstering transportation services in the Grand Paris region.

Leading technology firms Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise (ALE) and Nokia are coming together to power the Grand Paris Express, one of Europe’s largest metro rail projects, for which they have combined their complementary offers to provide certified and integrated end-to-end mission-critical infrastructure.

The Grand Paris Express is seen as enabling a key role as the French economy looks for drivers of the sustainable and virtuous growth needed to face the challenges of the 21st century, in particular driving ecological transition. The new metro is designed to change the face of the Île-de-France region, and Société du Grand Paris is the driving force behind the public transport scheme project, which is said to give planners a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to redesign and reshape the city to make it more inclusive and environmentally friendly.

For the two million daily travellers in the Grand Paris area, the new communications system promises superior levels of service, with intuitive ticketing and enhanced digital services such as greater connectivity.

Configured as a small ring and a large ring, the four new metro lines, plus the extension of an existing line, are designed to shorten the daily commutes of close to three million people. The Grand Paris Express will serve the main business districts – La Défense, La Plaine Saint-Denis; the major hubs of science and higher learning – Paris-Saclay, Institut Gustave-Roussy, La Cité Descartes; three key regional airports – Charles de Gaulle, Orly, Le Bourget; and three high-speed train stations – Massy-Palaiseau, Versailles-Chantiers and Charles de Gaulle. In all, 130 universities and higher learning institutions, 408 healthcare centres and 656 cultural venues will be within a 10-minute walk of the future stations.

The future subway includes 200km of new rail that will create the additional services. In addition, 68 new subway stations will be built, helping to create sustainable urban centres in these locations.

The solutions developed by ALE and Nokia are designed to meet all the operation and maintenance requirements of the Grand Paris Express, such as a multi-service IP/MPLS high-speed backbone network, which includes the router portfolio.

ALE and Nokia believe communication between the centralised control centre and the automated stations, lines and depots, which are closely monitored, is key to daily operations and maintenance, and is an important component in the project’s cyber security strategy.

The ruggedised LAN OmniSwitch range by Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise is being deployed in stations and in remote industrial environments to make the management of video surveillance and air quality control via internet of things (IoT) sensors possible. It is intended to increase efficiency, enhance safety and improve the passenger experience by providing operational data in real time.

Both companies have an ongoing deployment in the project planned until 2035, as well as several other projects that will serve transportation customers around the world in years to come.

Read the article from https://computerweekly.com website

Photo is from the same article

Incat Tasmania Chooses Wärtsilä Solutions for the Pioneering Zero-Emissions, Lightweight Ro-Pax Ferry

Wärtsilä to Propel the World’s Largest Battery Electric Ship: Incat Tasmania’s Groundbreaking Ferry for Buquebús.

Incat Tasmania has partnered with technology group Wärtsilä to equip their latest ferry, commissioned by long-term South American client Buquebús, with an unprecedented battery electric propulsion system and waterjets. This groundbreaking vessel, boasting an impressive 130-meter overall length, will not only be the largest of its kind but also the world’s inaugural zero-emissions lightweight catamaran. The order for Wärtsilä’s cutting-edge technology was confirmed in July 2023.

The uniquely designed vessel will be fully battery powered, with e-motor driven Wärtsilä waterjets as the main propulsors. The battery modules and energy storage system package is four times larger than on any electric/hybrid ship currently operating.

The full Wärtsilä scope of supply includes Wärtsilä’s own energy management system, the power conversion system, DC shore charging system, the 40 MWh battery modules, the DC hub, the eight electric motors, eight Wärtsilä axial flow WXJ1100 waterjets, and the ProTouch propulsion control system. Delivery of the Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for the latter part of 2024, and the vessel will be delivered in 2025.

The vessel will operate between Argentina and Uruguay. It will carry 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles.

Read the whole Wärtsilä Corporation, Press release 24 August 2023

Picture is from the same Press release © Wärtsilä Corporation

UNIKIE Accelerates Android Automotive Development at Warp Speed

Unikie Solidifies Its Android Automotive Presence with New Development Units in Finland and Poland.
Unikie, a pioneer in Android operating system development for the telecom sector, is expanding its Android Automotive footprint with the launch of new development units in Kuopio, Finland, and Szczecin, Poland. Leveraging years of experience and a track record of successful projects within the automotive industry, this strategic investment reinforces Unikie’s commitment to advancing Android Automotive solutions.

Android Automotive is an operating system widely chosen by the world’s leading car manufacturers. Software for in-car infotainment systems is no longer always the car manufacturer’s own but can be based on an open-source operating system tailored to the needs of each brand. Android Automotive can be used to create Infotainment systems that provide a digital experience and integrate downloadable applications into car functions.

Unikie creates and sells technology and product development services for autonomously controlled devices, real-time process control and the development of networked and terminal devices that enable secure data transfer. There is a high demand for Unikie’s technology and know-how, as the ongoing global revolution around digitalization is forcing companies to take their operations to a new level using artificial intelligence and automation. Unikie has been working with cutting-edge companies for a long time, enabling it to leverage its experience and expertise in industries that are becoming increasingly aware of the business benefits of digitalization, and the challenges that may rise from not being able to offer their customers something new and efficient. Unikie’s competitive edge is the extensive know-how of the entire Android ecosystem.

Read the article on Unikie.com website
Image is from the same article on the Unikie website.

Unveiling the Potential of Micro-Sustainability in Public Transportation

The macro benefits of public transport are clear: getting cars off roads opens cities for people and reduces CO2 emissions. But that’s just the start. Public transport has a lot of unrealized potential when it comes to micro-sustainability. By focusing on the details in public transport operations and optimizing every aspect, incremental gains can be achieved. And small but continuous gains – on a large scale – can make a significant difference.

Digitalization is a key enabler of micro-sustainability. With real-time data from each vehicle, it is possible to optimize efficiency and minimize energy wastage, costs, and CO2 emissions.

Drivers are key

While electrification offers a bright future; managing the transition from fossil fuel vehicles requires balance. One of the areas that can make a substantial difference is eco-driving services that give drivers a real-time feedback loop about how the way they drive affects fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

EcoDriving targets “avoidable” fuel usage. By showing how acceleration, braking and idling patterns affect CO2 emissions – and showing how they could reduce them – drivers have been shown to reduce emissions by up to 12%.

Fixing vehicles before they break

Maintaining a healthy fleet means staying one step ahead of mechanical problems. With real-time data from the digital systems on a bus, it is possible to monitor its ‘health’ and identify potential mechanical issues before they turn into problems. This reduces overall vehicle downtime and service disruptions.

By monitoring and analysing the performance of vehicles, it is also possible to assess their operational efficiency and ensure they are operating cleanly and cost-effectively.
Even a simple error such as an incorrect thermostat temperature can increase the energy consumption by up to 10%.

The remarkable thing about digitalization – when it’s done right – is that it can keep evolving. By using open IoT platforms and common standards, new ways of unlocking efficiency can be achieved with solutions that don’t even exist yet. And that’s the beauty of micro-sustainability. Once public transport operators have the foundations in place, they can keep finding new ways to reduce costs and CO2 and compounding the benefits.

Read whole article on Telia’s website

Image is from the same article on the Telia website.

Revolutionizing Public EV Charging in Jersey: The Collaborative Endeavor of Virta and Jersey Elect

Virta entered into an agreement with Jersey Electricity (JE) at the end of 2022 with operations commencing at the beginning of 2023. The initiative entails a comprehensive modernization of Jersey’s public EV charging infrastructure.

Jersey’s public charging network, known as Evolve, is owned and provided by JE. The partnership with Virta enables JE to leverage ever-improving software and solution capabilities, and affords JE the opportunity to develop innovative solutions for customers.

The physical charging points are being upgraded as a part of the infrastructure investment. For EV drivers, this will mean a smoother and more convenient charging experience, as well as the opportunity to use a single application both in the Island as well as anywhere in the Virta European and UK-wide network. Across the Virta network, and with roaming agreements included, this will mean over 90,000 chargers across Europe.

Virta is providing a complete turnkey solution and supplying JE with charger management, electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), and a full scope of payment solutions covering the Island’s public EV charging network. Although the Island is only 9 by 5 miles in size with a population of just over 100,000, there are about 130,000 vehicles in Jersey. With the increasing adoption of EVs comes the demand for fast, reliable, and convenient charging, which were the main reasons JE chose Virta.

Read the article on Virta.global website
Image is from the same article on the Virta website.

Finland Unveils Groundbreaking Remote Monitoring Center for Tampere’s Driverless Shuttles, Pioneering the Future of Autonomous Transportation

Marking a significant advancement in autonomous transportation, Finland has reached a noteworthy milestone by inaugurating its inaugural remote monitoring center for self-driving shuttles in Tampere. Operated by REMOTED, the center aims to support safety drivers and facilitate the transition from vehicle-based control to remote supervision. With the pilot program already underway in Hervanta, where passengers have shown great satisfaction with the robotic buses, the ultimate goal is to achieve full autonomy and eliminate the need for onboard safety attendants. This endeavor stands as a momentous stride towards reshaping public transportation in Finland.

 

Transforming the commute experience for specific passenger groups

The introduction of driverless shuttles in Tampere has brought about a transformative commuting experience for specific passenger groups. Since January, these autonomous vehicles have been ferrying passengers from the tram terminus to Lintuhytti and operating in the Ahvenisjärvi area of Hervanta. Among the regular customers are pensioners who have found the service particularly beneficial, enjoying the convenience and reliability provided by the robotic buses.

Elevating both safety and efficiency via remote surveillance

To ensure a smooth transition to fully autonomous operation, each of the three autonomous buses currently operating in Hervanta is accompanied by a safety driver. The safety drivers play a vital role in guiding passengers and taking control of the vehicle in case of emergencies or malfunctions. However, REMOTED‘s remote monitoring center aims to gradually reduce reliance on safety drivers by enabling remote control capabilities. By remotely supervising the buses, one supervisor can monitor multiple vehicles, leading to cost savings and increased operational efficiency.

Evaluating the potential of remote control functionalities and seamless information integration

The ongoing testing phase also focuses on exploring the possibilities of remote control functions. Commands such as starting the vehicle, stopping it, and opening the doors can be issued remotely, further enhancing the autonomous capabilities of the robotic buses. Additionally, REMOTED plans to integrate open data, including weather and traffic information, into the monitoring process. Equipped with cameras, the buses provide real-time visual feedback to the remote supervisors, allowing them to detect and address potential issues swiftly.

Positive passenger feedback and future prospects

Despite the challenges, the driverless shuttles have garnered praise from passengers. Over 4,000 passengers in Hervanta and over 1000 in Lintuhytti have already experienced the convenience and reliability of this innovative mode of transportation. Pensioners rely on the service, and families with strollers have appreciated the buses’ accessibility. Integration with existing transportation systems has further increased passenger numbers, with the route guide now indicating seamless transfers between the autonomous buses and other modes of transport. As the day to day of the shuttle service determines the duration of testing before removing safety drivers, the expansion of autonomous shuttle projects and fleet size becomes crucial for a sustainable and driverless future.

Read article on EasyMile’s site
Photo by REMOTED

Data Analysis Reveals the Intricate Relationship Between Air Quality and Transport

Driving Sustainability: Transport for West Midlands Harnesses Environmental and Transport Data Integration to Bolster Local Transport Plan

Vaisala’s Data Empowers Sustainable Transport Schemes: Transport for West Midlands Utilizes Weather and Environmental Sensors, Partnered with VivaCity Traffic Monitoring Sensors, to Measure Carbon Emissions and Air Quality, Driving Climate-Friendly Transportation Initiatives.

The West Midlands is the second largest region in the United Kingdom, where nearly six million residents live and work. In this geographically diverse area, TfWM has embarked on a journey that will change the way residents and others see and use local transport.

The vision to reimagine how people get around the region will result in an fairer, safer and healthier West Midlands, reducing the impact on the environment and encouraging sustainable travel.

Collaboration and innovation

TfWM engaged VivaCity to deploy 300 traffic monitoring sensors and 62 Vaisala weather and air quality measurement stations. This combination gives TfWM detailed and accurate traffic information and weather data across a large network.

Benefits of combining weather, air quality and traffic datasets

Each Vaisala sensor measures the most important urban pollutant gases (NO, NO2, O3, CO) and particles (PM1, PM2.5, PM10,) and is equipped with a weather transmitter that measures six of the most important weather parameters: air pressure, temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed and wind direction.

The weather and air quality insights help TfWM to understand not only current weather conditions across the region, but also the relationship between weather and traffic. Weather is one of the major causes of changes in traffic behaviour, and idle vehicles pollute much more than moving ones.

The weather and air quality insights, alongside traffic data, offer the potential for TfWM to optimise traffic signals and speed limits to help traffic move more smoothly, to reduce congestion and improve air quality.

About Vaisala

Vaisala is a global leader in weather, environmental, and industrial measurements. Building on 85 years of experience, Vaisala provides observations for a better world, with space-proof technology even exploring Mars and beyond. They are a reliable partner for customers around the world, offering a comprehensive range of innovative observation and measurement products and services. Headquartered in Finland, Vaisala employs over 2,000 professionals worldwide and is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki stock exchange.

Read article on VivaCityLab.com site
Photo by Luke Matthews on Unsplash