The scaled city, located in the basement of Hollister Hall, seeks to improve the performance of emerging mobility systems, such as connected and automated vehicles, by enabling small motorized cars to interact with their environment as well as other vehicles, some of which are piloted remotely by humans. Credit: Noël Heaney/Cornell University

A 20-by-20-foot “smart” city shrunk to 1:25 scale and its fleet of custom-built cars, drones, cameras and virtual reality technology are helping researchers design a better – and safer – future for transportation. 

Mini smart city drives design of safer automated transportation

In a world where automation dominates the manufacturing sector, one question persists: why aren't robots omnipresent in our daily lives? The answer lies in the intricate challenges of bridging the gap between humans and machines. While robots thrive in structured environments, the unpredictability and complexity of human behavior pose significant hurdles to seamless integration.&nbsp;In Robotican's recent work, we have developed a new way for humans to interact with service robots. A person is talking to a robot and command it to perform series of tasks a spoken language. Such a command can be: "Go forward up until the end of the hallway, enter the room in front of you, ask the doctor to give you the examination files, and come back here". The robot uses a Speech-To-Text engine, to write the command in text, then it applies a specially trained LLM (Large Language Model) to divide the command into sub-tasks. In our example the sub-tasks will be: "move forward, enter the room, ask the doctor, go back".&nbsp; The robot start performing the sub-tasks according to the required order. &nbsp;While moving the robot uses it cameras to "see" the environment in front of it. The frame from this camera goes into an LVM (Large Visual Model) which receives a photo and output text. When the way is clear this LVM will output "move forward", and an action will be: send the robot a navigation way point 10 meters ahead". When say, in our example, a group of people are standing in front of the robot blocking the way. Then the LVM will output "People are blocking the way", and the action will be "ask them to let me pass through". &nbsp;Then a Text-To-Speech engine will say "Excuse me, I'm a robot with an important task. May I please pass through? Thank you.” Then the robot pass and continues its task. This process is repeated until the robot complete its task, or is unable to do it. <img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1731928237835-%D7%AA%D7%9E%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%94+2+%D7%9C%D7%9E%D7%90%D7%9E%D7%A8+2+%D7%95%D7%95%D7%99%D7%91%D7%95%D7%9C%D7%91%D7%A8.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">"The answer lies in the intricate challenges of bridging the gap between humans and machines" This is a unique approach of combining TTS, STT, LLM and LVM to allow robot interact with human, and human interact with a robot in a spoken language, while understanding tasks, seeing and understanding the environment around it, and asking people to help the robot conducting its task successfully. Enter Robotican, a pioneering force at the forefront of autonomous robotics, spearheading the charge to revolutionize Human-Robot Interfaces. As a key player in the Israel Innovation Authority's groundbreaking consortium, Robotican harnesses its extensive expertise and recent advancement in AI and Deep Learning to develop innovative solutions that allows robots to navigate amongst people while interacting with them similarly to the way other peoples do.&nbsp;Championing the quest to teach robots to navigate unstructured environments effortlessly, Robotican embarks on a transformative journey empowered by cutting-edge Large Language and Vision Models (LLM &amp; LVM). Leveraging the revolutionary capabilities of these models, Robotican engineers have unlocked the potential to communicate with robots in a language they understand.&nbsp;Omri Eitan, Robotican's AI expert, sheds light on this groundbreaking advancement, stating, "The transformative power of the latest Language Model technology has ushered in a new era of complexity in decision-making and deep contextual reasoning. Tasks once deemed intensive engineering endeavors now undergo fine-tuning, and interactions once artificial now feel natural." &nbsp; With Robotican's innovative approach, robots decode textual or verbal instructions, process visual data using LVM to navigate crowded environments, and seamlessly engage in dialogue with individuals, courtesy of LLM. This paradigm shift not only enhances precision in task execution but also fosters meaningful human-like interactions, paving the way for unprecedented advancements in automation and artificial intelligence.&nbsp;Witness the dawn of a new era as Robotican redefines the landscape of human-robot interaction, propelling automation into realms previously deemed unimaginable. Join us as we embark on this transformative journey, shaping a future where robots seamlessly integrate into every facet of our lives. #RoboticanRevolution #HumanRobotInteraction #AIInnovation #AutomationAdvancements

Ghostrobotics V60 with Robotican's ARK (autonomous robotic kit)  

Pioneering AI-Driven Collaboration: Transforming Social Navigation into daily routine

Unveiling the Future: Human-Robot Interaction Revolutionizes Social Navigation Using AI and Deep Learning

Point rate 64000 points/s&nbsp;Distance resolution 4.5mm&nbsp;FOV 360°x96°&nbsp;Scan distance 30m&nbsp;Performance increased by 200%&nbsp;Open source address: <a dir="ltr" href="https://t.co/u1Hr2wB1T2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank" id="isPasted">https://github.com/unitreerobotics/point_lio_unilidar…</a>

New Upgrade Released: 200% Increase in L2 4D LiDAR Performance $419 🥳


New Upgrade Released: L2 4D LiDAR Doubles Performance for 419 USD

Imagine being a passenger in a self-driving car as the vehicle starts veering off the road. It’s not a faulty sensor causing the dangerous situation — it’s a cyberattack. Hackers can access the deep learning (DL) neural networks at the heart of the vehicle’s computer system, compromising the safety of its passengers, as well as other drivers and pedestrians.&nbsp;Stopping such cyberattacks requires understanding them first, but this can be challenging. Finding a computing system’s exact deep neural network has many roadblocks. They are often proprietary and, therefore, inaccessible to investigators without considerable legal intervention. Another common problem is that they are updated frequently, making it difficult for investigating researchers to access the most current network iteration. But a new tool from Georgia Tech could unlock the mysterious malware on myriad neural networks in everything from self-driving cars to the IMDB entertainment database. AI Psychiatry (AiP) is a postmortem cybersecurity forensic tool that uses artificial intelligence to recover the exact models a compromised machine runs on and discover where the fatal error occurred.“We trust self-driving cars with our lives and ChatGPT with our careers, but when those systems fail, how are we going to investigate them?” said <a href="https://saltaformaggio.ece.gatech.edu/">Brendan Saltaformaggio</a>, an associate professor with joint appointments in the School of <a href="https://scp.cc.gatech.edu/">&nbsp;Cybersecurity and Privacy</a> and the School of <a href="https://www.ece.gatech.edu/">Electrical and Computer Engineering</a> (ECE).AiP can recover the original DL model on both the local network’s memory and the graphics processing unit that trains the network. It can accomplish this without any specific knowledge of the model’s framework, platform, or version. Instead, it recreates the model using what&nbsp;<a>Saltaformaggio</a> refers to as “clues,” or common components in all neural networks. These include weights, biases, shapes, and layers from the model’s memory image — a frozen set of the bits and bytes operating when the model is running normally. The memory image is crucial because it enables AiP to compare it with the model post-attack.“These models often refine their information as they go, based on their current environment, so an attack might happen as a result of an attacker poisoning the information a particular model is learning,” said David Oygenblik, an ECE Ph.D. student. “We determined that a memory image would capture all those changes that occur during a runtime.”\Once the model is recovered, AiP can run it on another device, letting investigators test it thoroughly to determine where the flaws lie. AiP has been tested with different versions of both popular machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow and PyTorch) and datasets (CIFAR-10, LISA, and IMDB). It successfully recovered and rehosted 30 models with 100% accuracy.&nbsp;“Before our research, you couldn't go to the cyber ‘crime scene’ and find clues because there was no technique available to do that,” Saltaformaggio said. “That's what we are pioneering in the cyber forensics lab right now — techniques to get that evidence out of a crime scene.”Tools like AiP will allow cyber investigators to see the whole picture immediately. Solving cybercrimes can help prevent future ones, from safeguarding a user’s data to keeping a car on the road.&nbsp;

New tool AI Psychiatry recovers compromised deep-learning models so researchers can understand what went wrong.

The Sherlock Holmes of AI

Imagine driving a car that can communicate with other vehicles and respond to road conditions in real-time. This innovation is exciting but raises serious questions about safety and security. As vehicles become more connected and reliant on advanced technology, the risk of cyberattacks increases.Cybersecurity is now a major concern for automakers, engineers, and technology experts. To help address these growing concerns, SAE is hosting a two-part course on Automotive Cybersecurity.The course is designed to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of automotive cybersecurity fundamentals, best practices, and emerging trends. It will cover topics such as cybersecurity standards and regulations, secure vehicle architecture, risk assessment and management, and incident response and forensics.Level 1What: Automotive Cybersecurity Certification: Level One C2105When: May 5 &amp; 6, 2025, Live Online.How: <a href="https://www.sae.org/learn/content/c2105/">Register attendance here</a>.Level 2What: Automotive Cybersecurity Certification: Level Two C2107When: May 19 &amp; 20, 2025, Live Online.How: <a href="https://www.sae.org/learn/content/c2107/">Register attendance here</a>.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr">Overview of the Certification Structure</h2>The course is divided into two levels. Each level will provide valuable insights into automotive cybersecurity.<h3 dir="ltr">Level 1 (May 5-6, 2025)&nbsp;</h3>This session is aimed at participants who want to build a strong foundation in automotive cybersecurity. Participants will learn about the current challenges the automotive industry faces as it becomes more connected.&nbsp;The course provides a deep dive into cybersecurity basics, including industry standards like ISO/SAE 21434 and UNECE WP.29. Attendees will also explore risk management, threat assessments, and security engineering principles. This level is ideal for engineers, managers, and auditors looking to understand the core cybersecurity requirements and how they impact vehicle design and safety.<h3 dir="ltr">Level 2 (May 19-20, 2025)</h3>This advanced session will explore more complex cybersecurity topics. Participants will dive into automotive cybersecurity requirements according to ISO/SAE 21434. Key areas include understanding standards, regulations, and planning strategies for cybersecurity management. Participants will also learn about cybersecurity-conscious culture, handling distributed development, and conducting audits and assessments.&nbsp;Additionally, the session covers post-development activities, such as maintaining cybersecurity throughout the product’s life cycle. Practical aspects like tool management, cybersecurity case development, and validation and testing methods will also be highlighted to ensure the comprehensive protection of automotive systems.This level is perfect for those with prior knowledge or experience in the field looking to expand their expertise.Both levels are designed to provide practical, hands-on knowledge that can be applied directly to real-world automotive systems.<h2 dir="ltr"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1730210147827-cyber2.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> What Will Be Discussed – Level 1 May 5-6, 2025</h2>The Level 1 session aims to introduce participants to the basic principles of cybersecurity as they apply to the automotive industry. This includes definitions, key risks, and emerging threats that professionals must be aware of.<h3 dir="ltr">Key Sessions Covered</h3>Here is what you will learn at the Automotive Cybersecurity Certification Level One C2105.<h4 dir="ltr">Day 1:</h4><ul><li dir="ltr">Introduction to Cybersecurity in Automotive: The session will start with an overview of the challenges faced by the modern automotive sector due to the increasing automation and networking of vehicles, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity in protecting vehicles from attackers.</li><li dir="ltr">Transformation of Mobility: Exploring how the mobility landscape changes with the rise of connected vehicles and the relevance of automotive cybersecurity in this context.</li><li dir="ltr">Basics of Automotive Cybersecurity: Core goals of automotive cybersecurity, including protection mechanisms, terminologies, and the fundamentals of current cybersecurity strategies.</li><li dir="ltr">Regulatory Landscape: An overview of key global regulations, including upcoming laws, ISO/SAE 21434 standards, and UNECE WP.29, which define the framework for automotive cybersecurity.</li><li dir="ltr">Automotive Cybersecurity Engineering: How the ISO/SAE 21434 standard integrates into engineering practices, providing an understanding of the procedure, terminology, and the relationship between threat assessment and security concepts.</li></ul><h4 dir="ltr">Day 2:</h4><ul><li dir="ltr">Cybersecurity Governance: Analyzing the objectives and requirements for managing cybersecurity in automotive organizations and projects, particularly through the lens of ISO/SAE 21434.</li><li dir="ltr">Lifecycle Cybersecurity: Addressing cybersecurity management throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle—from concept to decommissioning—using practical case studies for illustration.</li><li dir="ltr">Continuous and Distributed Cybersecurity Activities: Participants will explore the ongoing cybersecurity tasks that need to be addressed, even in outsourced or distributed work settings, to maintain compliance and security integrity.</li><li dir="ltr">Practical Exercises and Final Exam: The course will conclude with a summary of key concepts and an exam designed to certify participants with a TÜV SÜD certification upon successful completion.</li></ul>By attending this Level 1 course, participants will understand the challenges and tools available for implementing cybersecurity measures in the evolving automotive world. <img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1730210157702-cyber3.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><h2 dir="ltr">What Will Be Discussed – Level 2 May 19-20, 2025</h2>The Automotive Cybersecurity Level 2 certification (May 19-20, 2025), developed in collaboration with TÜV SÜD, focuses on practical applications and lifecycle management in compliance with ISO/SAE 21434 and other relevant regulations.<h3 dir="ltr">Key Topics Covered</h3>You will learn:&nbsp;<ul><li dir="ltr">Cybersecurity Lifecycle: The role of cybersecurity from product development to post-development, including the implementation and management of cybersecurity processes.</li><li dir="ltr">Standards and Regulations: Participants will explore not only ISO/SAE 21434 but also additional standards such as UN R155 and how these frameworks guide automotive cybersecurity practices.</li><li dir="ltr">Planning and Audits: Detailed guidance on cybersecurity planning, conducting audits and assessments, and ensuring compliance throughout distributed development processes.</li><li dir="ltr">Cybersecurity Case Development: Learn to create and evaluate cybersecurity cases. It is important to justify the security measures taken throughout the product life cycle.</li><li dir="ltr">Post-Development Activities: Managing cybersecurity beyond the development phase, including maintenance, updates, and end-of-life considerations.</li></ul>Participants will leave the session with the tools and methodologies necessary for comprehensive cybersecurity management in the automotive sector and an exam to earn TÜV SÜD certification.<h2 dir="ltr">Benefits of Attending the Certification</h2>Attending the Automotive Cybersecurity certification offers numerous advantages for professionals in the automotive industry. Here are some key benefits:<ul><li dir="ltr">Expert Knowledge and Stay Updated: Gain valuable insights from experienced professionals in the automotive cybersecurity field. Understand the latest standards and regulations in automotive cybersecurity, including ISO/SAE 21434.</li><li dir="ltr">Practical Skills and Certification: Learn real-world techniques that can be applied directly to your work, from secure design to threat management. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate to enhance their professional credentials.</li><li dir="ltr">Networking: Connect with other professionals in the field to share ideas and solutions. This will help build relationships and share insights with peers facing similar cybersecurity challenges.</li><li dir="ltr">Career Advancement:&nbsp;By earning a certificate of completion, participants can showcase their commitment to professional development and their value to current and potential employers.</li></ul><h2 dir="ltr">Who Should Attend?</h2>This certification is designed for professionals involved in the automotive industry who are looking to deepen their knowledge of cybersecurity. Engineers, product designers, and managers responsible for vehicle safety and cybersecurity will benefit the most.&nbsp;Compliance officers and auditors who need to stay updated on industry standards, like ISO/SAE 21434, will also find it useful. Whether you are new to cybersecurity or have prior experience, this event will help you understand the current threats, regulations, and best practices in automotive cybersecurity.<h2 dir="ltr">Register Your Attendance Now!</h2>The Automotive Cybersecurity certification (Levels 1 &amp; 2) is an important event for anyone involved in the automotive industry. With the increasing number of cyber threats, it is crucial to stay informed and prepared. Attending will give you valuable insights and practical knowledge to help safeguard your vehicles and systems.Register now to secure your spot and be part of the important discussions that will shape the future of vehicle security. Join us in making the automotive industry safer and more secure for everyone!Register now for <a href="https://www.sae.org/learn/content/c2105/">Level 1</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.sae.org/learn/content/c2107/">Level 2</a>!

The Automotive Cybersecurity Certification, organized by SAE International, is a timely event that aims to address these critical issues. The online certification will be held on two separate occasions to accommodate European audiences: Level 1 on May 5 & 6, 2025, and Level 2 on May 19 & 20, 2025.


Automotive Cybersecurity Certification

AI is revolutionizing our ability to train cars to drive safely and to respond to unexpected events. | Shutterstock/Scharfsinn

An authority on autonomous robotic systems talks about the impact of AI on his field here on Earth and growing aspirations for autonomy in space.

The future of autonomous vehicles

As you might recall from <a href="https://cypherrobotics.com/2024/10/17/cypher-robotics-puts-captis-on-the-global-stage-at-gitex-global-2024-in-dubai/?et_fb=1&PageSpeed=off" target="_blank">this post</a>, Cypher Robotics and its <a href="https://indrorobotics.ca/cypher-robotics-announces-captis-a-new-solution-for-industrial-scanning/" target="_blank">Captis</a> cycle-counting/inventory management solution recently attended the huge <a href="https://www.gitex.com/" target="_blank">GITEX GLOBAL 2024</a> event in Dubai. It’s the world’s largest technology and AI exhibition, with some 200,000 attendees. It was a *huge* show.But a lot of the work – and the opportunities – for both Cypher Robotics and InDro Robotics (which incubated Cypher and has a technology agreement with the company) took place away from the show floor. Cypher Robotics CEO and InDro Vice President Peter King spent much of his time in high-level meetings with executives from five of the largest companies in the United Arab Emirates.“These were C-Suite level meetings, where we were able to learn more about what these companies do – and discuss how both InDro and Cypher can offer solutions that could benefit them,” says King.These aren’t companies where you can simply call and ask for a meeting with high-level executives. There needs to be a catalyst to facilitate such discussions.And there was: The Government of Canada; specifically, the Canadian Consulate in Dubai.Below: Cypher Robotics CEO Peter King on the floor at GITEX GLOBAL 2024. Much of his time was spent off the floor, meeting with executives from the largest companies in the UAE<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1729798081995-GITEX-Peter.jpg-2.webp" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Cypher Robotics Booth at GITEX"><h3 id="isPasted">Trade Mission</h3>Among the many responsibilities of the Federal Government is promoting trade between Canadian firms and international clients. Sometimes, there are large “Team Canada Trade Missions” which are led by a Minister and often covered by media. With these missions, there’s a specific push on the Indo-Pacific region. On other occasions, however, the government pulls together smaller groups with a very specific focus. Months before GITEX GLOBAL 2024 was to take the world stage, planning began for a mission in Dubai that would take place the same week.Government officials identified five Canadian firms in the Canadian high-tech sector it felt might be a fit for the UAE market. InDro Robotics was invited to participate – and was the only company among those five from the robotics sector.“They identified that our solutions could be highlighted in Dubai – not only for trade reasons, but also to help solve some really hard problems,” says Peter King. “We were obviously really pleased to be one of a small handful of technology companies to be on the federal government’s radar.”Canada’s Consul General in Dubai, H.E. Tracy Reynolds, was at the helm of this program and coordinated a series of meetings with “the UAE’s most influential business and technology leaders,” reads a Government of Canada document outlining the program.“Consul General Reynolds will lead a two-day outreach program that will allow selected Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) clients to pitch their products and solutions to Dubai’s conglomerates, which are considered to be major buyers of ICT products and solutions. The meetings will also allow the delegation to learn about the latest technologies being adopted by these organizations,” it adds.<h3> </h3><h3 id="isPasted">Why UAE?</h3>Though historically an oil-driven economy, the United Arab Emirates has diversified greatly in recent years. It has evolved, according to the CIA’s World FactBook, “into a trade-oriented logistics and supply chain leader (with) strong foreign direct investment orientation; building trade and investment ties through partnership agreements…” The UAE Gross Domestic Product is the fourth highest in the Middle East (after Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Israel), with an estimated USD 719.733 billion GDP in 2023.In Dubai, the skyline has been utterly transformed over the past few decades. It’s home to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and other ultra-modern architecture. Known also for its luxury shopping and high-end autos, Dubai has also embraced technology in recent years. In fact, the local police count Tesla Cybertrucks among their fleet.Dubai has never been as dependent on oil as the other six Emirates that comprise the UAE – and Dubai has led the way in the UAE in terms of economic diversification. According to Wikipedia, “Oil production, which once accounted for 50% of Dubai’s gross domestic product, contributes less than 1% today. In 2018, wholesale and retail trade represented 26% of the total GDP; transport and logistics, 12%; banking, insurance activities and capital markets, 10%; manufacturing, 9%; real estate, 7%; construction, 6%; tourism, 5%. The International Herald Tribune described it as ‘centrally-planned free-market capitalism’.”In other words, Dubai – and the wider UAE – are a significant and growing global marketplace.Below: The Dubai Skyline at night. Photo by Ivan Siarbolin – https://www.pexels.com/photo/city-skyline-during-night-time-3787839/, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=95959711<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1729798138316-Dubai_Skylines_at_night_Pexels_3787839-scaled.jpg.webp" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Dubai Skyline"> <h3 id="isPasted">High-Level Agenda</h3>With that context, it’s clear why the Canadian Consulate in Dubai sees opportunity. Being on the ground, Canadian&nbsp;Consul General&nbsp;Tracy Reynolds,&nbsp;Deputy Consul General Anthony Finch and Trade Commissioner&nbsp;Arun Basandai have an insider’s vantage point into the key economic players in Dubai and the UAE.&nbsp;And so, over the course of two days, they accompanied representatives of the five invited Canadian companies to five different high-level meetings.The first was with one of the largest real estate developers in the entire UAE. Remember the earlier reference to the Burj Khalifa? This company owns it. In addition to real estate, its diverse portfolio includes&nbsp;retail, hospitality, and&nbsp;leisure. The firm’s Executive Director and its Head of Information Technology attended the meeting.We don’t want to get into the details, but it was an excellent discussion – which included how solutions from both InDro Robotics and Cypher Robotics might be useful to that firm.&nbsp;From there, it was off to a massive global investment company that has been a major driver of Dubai’s spectacular growth. It’s involved with 10 sectors,&nbsp;including real estate, hospitality, leisure&nbsp;&amp; entertainment, media, ICT, design, education, retail, manufacturing, and&nbsp;logistics and science. It owns hotels, parks, resorts, a huge arena, multiple large retail outlets – and is also involved in multiple projects to accelerate Dubai into a fully Smart City. There were fruitful discussions there as well.Meeting three was with one of the largest retailers in Dubai and the entire UAE with an emphasis on the fashion and lifestyle industry. On the food and beverage side, it runs multiple name brand franchises throughout the UAE and is the distributor/retailer of major fashion brands. It’s a huge company with a massive rolling inventory across several sectors. As with the previous meetings, all five Canadian technology companies had a chance to discuss their offerings.&nbsp;<h3>And There Was More…</h3>Once again, it was C-suite meetings with the full support of senior Consulate staff. The group met with the CEO and Chief Strategy and Technology Officer (CSTO) of the leading shopping mall, retail and leisure company across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. It owns and operates 27 major shopping malls, multiple hotels, cinemas, etc. and has assets in excess of USD 18 billion and 44,000 employees.The final meeting was with “a multinational retail franchise operator of 70 brands in 20 countries.” Those brands include Starbucks, Chipotle and Cheesecake Factory. The company runs hotels and major retail outlets with names you’d recognize. The company’s Chief Strategy and Digital Officer attended this meeting, and was able to learn about solutions offered by all five Canadian technology companies.“These meetings were a tremendous opportunity to learn not only about what these leading UAE companies do, but also explore some of the challenges they face with operations at that scale,” says King. “There was significant interest in solutions from both InDro and Cypher – and I’m confident these were just the first of many conversations to come.”Below: The Cypher Robotics cycle-counting and RFID scanning Captis, which can operate autonomously for five hours and also capture precision digital twins. Below that is the InDro Robotics Sentinel, designed for remote asset inspection, security and surveillance and digital twins<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1729798194505-Captis-1-scaled.jpg.webp" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Captis Robot"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1729798212185-Sentinel-in-substation-1.jpg.webp" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Sentinel Inspection Robot"><h3 id="isPasted">InDro's Take</h3>We are pleased to have been selected to take part in this trade mission in the United Arab Emirates – and are exceedingly grateful to the senior staff at the Canadian Consul General in Dubai. These were exceptional meetings and, potentially, the beginning of new business relationships.“These meetings were a significant step along Cypher’s long-term roadmap, which includes markets beyond North America,” says King. “Every business relationship begins with a discussion, and these were very productive introductory meetings for all of the Canadian firms on this trip. I’d like to extend our deepest thanks for Consul General Tracy Reynolds, Trade Commissioner Arun Basandani and Deputy Consul General Anthony Finch.”InDro Founder and CEO Philip Reece is also pleased.“These meetings were a remarkable opportunity for not only InDro and Cypher, but for four other innovative Canadian tech companies,” he says. “The Government of Canada recognizes the global shift toward Industry 4.0 and the role Canadian technology companies can play in that. We are pleased that InDro had this opportunity and extend our thanks to all those involved.”If you’d like to learn more about InDro Robotics solutions, contact us <a href="https://indrorobotics.ca/connectwithanexpert/" target="_blank">here</a>. For Cypher Robotics and Captis, reach out <a href="https://cypherrobotics.com/contact-us/" target="_blank">here</a>.Cover image of Dubai at top of story via Wikimedia Commons by Tim Reckmann, CC BY-SA 3.0

Exploring strategic partnerships and showcasing cutting-edge robotic technologies, InDro Robotics and Cypher Robotics attend pivotal trade discussions to expand their global impact.

InDro Robotics and Cypher Robotics attend High-Level Trade Meetings in Dubai

More than 40,000 people have died on U.S. roads in each of the last three years. In an effort to eliminate these preventable accidents, The Department of Transportation has awarded The City of Pittsburgh, in partnership with Ding Zhao, $1.3 million to analyze Pittsburgh’s current transportation infrastructure and inform safety-first upgrades by the end of 2026.As part of the <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/grants/SS4A" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the Safe Streets and Roads for All</a> (SS4A) program, the project will support a road safety audit, the development of a <a href="https://engage.pittsburghpa.gov/vision-zero" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Vision Zero</a>-focused streets design manual along with quick build projects and a Vision Zero ambassador program to eliminate traffic fatalities and increase equitable mobility.<a href="https://engineering.cmu.edu/directory/bios/zhao-ding.html">Ding Zhao</a>, director of the Safe AI Lab and an associate professor of <a href="https://www.meche.engineering.cmu.edu/index.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">mechanical engineering</a> at Carnegie Mellon University, will use large language models (LLMs) to analyze Pittsburgh’s streets, identify which intersections are the highest-risk for drivers and pedestrians, and work with city officials to test new street design improvements.“Large language models offer a very scalable, very powerful way to collect data and run simulations,” explained Zhao. “By collecting more data, more efficiently, we can be inclusive of rare events and vulnerable users.”<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SDAoLGEE2CU?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-24="true" id="200260888" title="Simulation of Pittsburgh's city streets">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe>Simulations of Pittsburgh’s streets will be used by Ding Zhao to identify intersections that pose the highest-risk for drivers and pedestrians. The team will work with city officials to test new street design improvements as part of the Safe Streets and Roads for All Program.The team will also use LLMs to analyze the results of their simulations, an approach Zhao says is novel to transportation and infrastructure.“We have a clear goal for this project and by working with the City of Pittsburgh we are guaranteeing real world impact,” said Zhao. “I’m excited to see how my research will positively affect our neighborhoods. If we can save even one person, I’ll be very proud.”<blockquote>I’m excited to see how my research will positively affect our neighborhoods. If we can save even one person, I’ll be very proud.<cite>Ding Zhao, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering</cite></blockquote>“We’re excited to partner with the research teams at Carnegie Mellon University as we work toward our goal of zero traffic fatalities,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “To make our streets safer, we need to break down silos and build strong partnerships between the City of Pittsburgh and our private institutions. Together, we can drive the kind of innovation that makes a real difference in roadway safety.”Zhao, who has been working to advance AI in self-driving cars for nearly a decade, is also eager to explore how enhanced infrastructure can make the roads safer for semi and fully autonomous vehicles.The team will leverage on its in-house tool <a href="https://safebench.github.io/">SafeBench</a>, an open-sourced platform designed to assess and improve the safety of AI models based on a high-fidelity autonomous driving simulator. SafeBench provides a suite of standardized benchmarks and testing environments for evaluating how AI models perform in dynamic, safety-critical situations, such as autonomous driving or infrastructure planning. This tool can be integrated into projects like Pittsburgh’s transportation audit by offering a rigorous framework for analyzing AI-driven systems’ resilience under various conditions, including multimodal perturbations and rare events. By ensuring the safety and robustness of AI systems, SafeBench will help cities like Pittsburgh deploy cutting-edge AI technologies with confidence, minimizing risks and enhancing the overall safety of public infrastructure.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TnJxpTJ1OKQ?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-24="true" id="330679141" title="Scenarios for Perception">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe>“SafeBench allows us to identify potential safety issues in the AI-empowered systems early on, which helps improve their reliability as they are integrated into real-world applications,” said Haohong Lin, a Ph.D. student at Carnegie Mellon University working with Zhao.“I have been working on self-driving cars for 17 years,” Zhao said. “This project opens a new door for us to explore how streets can be modified to provide a safer environment for us all both today and in the future when humans will share the road with AVs.”

Ding Zhao is teaming up with the City of Pittsburgh to improve road safety and eliminate traffic fatalities using AI.

Safe AI for safer city streets

We are pleased to introduce the latest edition of the <a href="https://www.raivereniging.nl/en/sections/rai-automotive-industry-nl/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">RAI Automotive Industry NL</a> report, which provides an in-depth exploration of the Dutch automotive sector's transformative trajectory. This sector, situated at the nexus of rapid technological advancements and pressing global challenges, exemplifies a model of innovation, sustainability, and resilience in a highly competitive international landscape.The report covers core themes: smart and green mobility, sustainable manufacturing, human capital development, design and materials, and internationalization. Each of these pillars underscores the industry's commitment to integrating advanced technologies into mobility solutions, driving the future of transportation with a focus on efficiency, safety, and sustainability.Below you can read an excerpt of one of the featured articles. Or download the full report for free here.&nbsp;<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzI4MDI4ODE3OTg5LXJhaSBlbWFpbC5wbmciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;<iframe id="JotFormIFrame-242823280704453" title="2024 RAI Dutch Automotive Industry Magazine" allowtransparency="true" src="https://form.jotform.com/242823280704453" frameborder="0" style="min-width:100%;max-width:100%;height:590px;border:none;" scrolling="no" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </iframe>&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">The Role of Digitalization in Dutch Automotive Manufacturing</h2>Digitalization has enabled the Dutch automotive industry to overcome the challenges posed by high labor costs. Technologies such as digital twins, automation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) are integral to these systems, enabling high efficiency and reduced labor costs. Digital twins, for instance, allow manufacturers to create virtual replicas of physical assets, processes, and systems. This technology helps optimize production lines, predict maintenance needs, and improve overall operational efficiency.In a conversation with Jean Pierre Heijster, section manager at RAI Association and responsible for Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing and an automotive industry expert, he discussed how the Dutch automotive industry is leveraging digitalization to enhance its manufacturing processes.&nbsp;<blockquote>"The Netherlands is quite an expensive country in terms of labor costs," Heijster notes. "Yet, we are still a relatively big manufacturing country. This is only possible with our highly digitalized production system."</blockquote>Embracing advanced digital technologies is at the core of the Dutch automotive industry’s evolution. The integration of AI, robotics, AR, and VR in production has been a game-changer. These technologies facilitate a highly automated, smart manufacturing environment that offsets the high labor costs and enhances productivity. Heijster explains that these advancements are crucial for The Netherlands to remain competitive, especially in producing complex systems with high-mix, low-volume outputs.Robotics and AI are particularly significant in this context. Robotics enhances precision and speed in manufacturing processes, while AI provides the capability to analyze vast amounts of data to improve decision-making and efficiency. For example, AI-driven predictive maintenance can foresee potential equipment failures before they occur, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.This competitive edge is particularly evident in adopting additive manufacturing (AM). While not adopted for the high-volume production of commodity parts, AM is revolutionizing the production of high-complexity, low-volume components.&nbsp;<blockquote>"We can see its use with metal printing and plastic printing for both automotive parts and tools," says Heijster. "This enables 3D-printed parts to have higher quality in terms of their materials and material properties."</blockquote><h2 dir="ltr">Additive Manufacturing and Its Impact</h2>Additive manufacturing (3D printing) has been a part of the Dutch automotive industry's toolkit for decades, primarily in prototyping. However, its role is expanding significantly. AM allows for the creation of complex geometries that would be impossible or prohibitively expensive to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. This is particularly useful for producing bespoke parts for high-end or specialized vehicles.With the growing demand for more complex and personalized parts, shortening production cycles, and sustainability becoming more critical than ever, traditional supply chains face significant challenges. In essence, industry production demands are intensifying. Lately, more companies have adopted AM for actual production rather than just prototyping. This shift is driven by the need for greater customization and the ability to produce parts on demand, reducing the need for large inventories.Particularly in high-mix, low-volume (HMLV) production, AM offers unparalleled flexibility and efficiency. HMLV manufacturing involves creating a wide range of products in small quantities. This approach is typically used to produce unique and complex items that meet specific quality standards. For instance, luxury car manufacturers are increasingly using AM to produce customized interior components and intricate engine parts.The implications of AM extend beyond manufacturing. It also plays a critical role in the maintenance and repair sector. With the ability to produce parts quickly and on-site, AM reduces vehicle downtime and dependence on large, centralized production facilities. This decentralization of production capabilities can lead to more resilient supply chains, a crucial advantage in the face of global disruptions.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzI4Mzg2ODY1ODk2LUF1dG9tb3RpdmUtQXBwcGxpY2F0aW9uLXBhZ2UtaGVyby1pbWFnZS5wbmciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">AM reduces vehicle downtime and dependence on large, centralized production facilities. This decentralization of production capabilities can lead to more resilient supply chains, a crucial advantage in the face of global disruptions. Image credit: UltiMakerThe evolution of AM technology continues to break new ground. Lightweighting is a significant trend in the automotive industry, particularly with the rise of electric vehicles that require lighter structures for improved efficiency. AM enables the creation of stronger and lighter parts than traditional methods, which is crucial for both high-performance (e.g., race cars and luxury models) and heavy-duty vehicles (e.g., trucks). These vehicles often require specialized, customized parts that can benefit from the unique advantages of AM, such as producing complex geometries that enhance performance while reducing weight.The Dutch automotive industry’s commitment to sustainability and circularity is significantly bolstered by AM. By enabling localized production, AM reduces the emissions associated with transporting parts over long distances. This localization cuts down on transportation emissions and allows for more efficient use of materials, thereby minimizing waste and promoting a more sustainable production process. The application of AM in producing low-volume, high-value parts, especially for electric and luxury vehicles, highlights The Netherlands' strategy of integrating advanced technology with environmental goals.This plays a significant role in maintaining the Dutch automotive industry's competitive edge. The synergy between AM and other digital technologies, such as AI and robotics, enhances the capabilities of smart manufacturing systems. This integration improves efficiency and productivity and supports the industry's sustainability and climate neutrality goals.<h2 dir="ltr">Sustainability Through Remanufacturing and Recycling</h2>The Dutch automotive industry's commitment to sustainability is evident in its robust recycling and remanufacturing practices. Heijster highlights that at least 98% of a car's parts are recycled in The Netherlands, placing the country at the forefront of automotive sustainability in Europe and possibly the world. This high recycling rate is a testament to the industry's dedication to reducing its environmental footprint.Applying the principles of the Six R’s (rethink, reduce, reuse, remanufacture, recycle and recover), the industry has long embraced the reuse of automotive parts. “Remanufacturing was prevalent in the ’50s, the ’60s, and the beginning of the ’70s. Every single car manufacturer had a remanufacturing department for gearboxes, alternators, motors, steering housing, water pumps, and so on,” explains Heijster.&nbsp;<blockquote>“From the mid-’70s until about five-ten years ago, parts were produced with low complexity and high volume and made in relatively low-cost countries.”</blockquote>With the industry’s current tendency towards circularity, we will see new ways of bringing parts back into the loop. This approach is being revitalized by the EU's new legislation and circular economy action plan, which encourage remanufacturing and circularity. In fact, a lot of remanufacturing currently takes place in The Netherlands, especially powertrain parts, where many companies remanufacture such parts in highly automated systems. DAF Trucks, for example, has a dedicated remanufacturing department poised for growth in the coming years&nbsp;to ensure not only reusable products and parts but also the tools and equipment necessary for remanufacturing.While remanufacturing helps conserve materials and energy, it also offers a cost-effective alternative to new parts. The Dutch automotive industry is leveraging advanced technologies to enhance remanufacturing processes. Automated inspection and refurbishment systems ensure that remanufactured parts meet stringent quality standards, while digital tracking systems help maintain a clear record of each part's history. The Netherlands has quite a good number of great companies and players who are building towards a more sustainable automotive industry by leveraging sustainable practices and smart manufacturing.One such player is VDL, a member of RAI Association. VDL Group is at the forefront of smart manufacturing in the Dutch automotive sector, leveraging advanced technologies to enhance production processes. Mr. Henri Koolen, executive vice president at VDL, emphasizes the importance of integrating automation and digitalization into manufacturing. "At VDL, we focus on creating highly flexible production lines that can quickly adapt to changing market demands," Koolen states.One notable example is VDL's implementation of a fully automated assembly line for electric vehicle components, which significantly reduces production time while maintaining high-quality standards. "This level of efficiency is crucial for The Netherlands to remain competitive globally," he adds.Reflecting on the current state of the Dutch automotive industry, Koolen notes, "The industry is undergoing a transformative shift towards sustainability and innovation, driven by digital technologies." Looking ahead, he predicts, "In the next 5-10 years, we will see a substantial increase in smart manufacturing practices, with AI and robotics becoming integral to production. This evolution will not only enhance operational efficiency but also support our sustainability goals."<h2 dir="ltr">Expanding Horizons in Sustainable and Smart Manufacturing</h2>As the Dutch automotive industry continues to evolve, the integration of sustainability and smart manufacturing technologies becomes more central to this transformation. This involves optimizing production methods and resources and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to forge positive contributions to societal and environmental challenges, such as carbon emission reduction. Not only does this forward-looking approach address the environmental challenges, but it also ensures that the industry remains competitive on a global scale.The evolution of AM and the integration of digitalization technologies, such as AI, robotics, digital twins, and augmented reality (AR), will be core factors in revolutionizing the manufacturing processes within the Dutch automotive industry. These technologies enable the creation of smart manufacturing systems that enhance efficiency, reduce labor costs, and improve overall operational productivity.From digital twins providing virtual replicas of physical assets to optimize production lines to AI-driven predictive maintenance foreseeing equipment failures, such technologies can help reduce downtime and maintenance costs, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. Robotics are also particularly significant in this context. Robots can enhance precision and speed in manufacturing processes, while AI analyzes vast amounts of data to improve decision-making and efficiency. This integration of advanced technologies ensures that the Dutch automotive industry remains at the cutting edge of innovation, particularly in producing complex systems with high-mix, low-volume outputs.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzI4NDc1NTE2NjY2LURBRiBBc3NlbWJseSBmYWN0b3J5IGVsZWN0cmljIHRydWNrcy5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The Dutch automotive industry is poised to further integrate digitalization, smart manufacturing, and sustainability into its core operations in the coming years. By harnessing the power of data, Dutch automotive manufacturers can optimize every aspect of their operations, from design and production to maintenance and recycling. The emphasis on high-complexity, low-volume production is likely to expand, driven by the demand for personalized automotive solutions. The continued evolution of remanufacturing and recycling practices will support the industry's sustainability goals.The synergy between AM and digital technologies, such as AI and robotics, enhances the capabilities of smart manufacturing systems and supports the industry's goals of sustainability and climate neutrality. The Netherlands is well-positioned to lead this transformation, setting benchmarks for global automotive innovation. The commitment to circularity and climate neutrality ensures that the Dutch automotive industry remains a pioneer in combining advanced technology with sustainable practices, paving the way for a resilient and eco-friendly future.<h2 dir="ltr">Interested to know more? Join forces with RAI Association.</h2>The Netherlands' embrace of digitalization and commitment to sustainability are key drivers of its competitive edge in the global market. It is also expanding its global footprint through international collaboration. By partnering with leading automotive hubs worldwide, Dutch companies are accessing new markets and technologies. These collaborations facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices, further enhancing the industry's innovative capacity.<a href="https://www.raivereniging.nl/en/sections/rai-automotive-industry-nl/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">RAI Automotive Industry NL</a> is at the forefront of Dutch automotive innovation, bringing together industry stakeholders to drive advancements in green mobility, smart mobility, manufacturing, materials, human capital, and international business development. Their initiatives focus on sustainable and intelligent solutions, leveraging cutting-edge materials and technologies to achieve zero emissions, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance road safety. By collaborating with government bodies, knowledge institutions, and international partners, RAI Automotive Industry NL aims to maintain The Netherlands' leadership in global automotive innovation.Learn more about the work of the RAI Automotive Industry NL's members by downloading the full report below.&nbsp;<iframe id="JotFormIFrame-242823280704453" title="2024 RAI Dutch Automotive Industry Magazine" allowtransparency="true" src="https://form.jotform.com/242823280704453" frameborder="0" style="min-width:100%;max-width:100%;height:590px;border:none;" scrolling="no" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </iframe>&nbsp;

The Dutch automotive industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by digitalization and advanced technologies redefining manufacturing processes and competitive dynamics. 

Sustainable and Smart Manufacturing Enabling a Competitive Dutch Automotive Industry

Imagine having to straighten up a messy kitchen, starting with a counter littered with sauce packets. If your goal is to wipe the counter clean, you might sweep up the packets as a group. If, however, you wanted to first pick out the mustard packets before throwing the rest away, you would sort more discriminately, by sauce type. And if, among the mustards, you had a hankering for Grey Poupon, finding this specific brand would entail a more careful search.MIT engineers have developed a method that enables robots to make similarly intuitive, task-relevant decisions.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1727764894016-MIT-Scene-Tasks-01-press_0.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">From left to right: team members Lukas Schmid, Nathan Hughes, Dominic Maggio, Yun Chang, and Luca Carlone. Credit: Andy RyanThe team’s new approach, named Clio, enables a robot to identify the parts of a scene that matter, given the tasks at hand. With Clio, a robot takes in a list of tasks described in natural language and, based on those tasks, it then determines the level of granularity required to interpret its surroundings and “remember” only the parts of a scene that are relevant.In real experiments ranging from a cluttered cubicle to a five-story building on MIT’s campus, the team used Clio to automatically segment a scene at different levels of granularity, based on a set of tasks specified in natural-language prompts such as “move rack of magazines” and “get first aid kit.”The team also ran Clio in real-time on a quadruped robot. As the robot explored an office building, Clio identified and mapped only those parts of the scene that related to the robot’s tasks (such as retrieving a dog toy while ignoring piles of office supplies), allowing the robot to grasp the objects of interest.Clio is named after the Greek muse of history, for its ability to identify and remember only the elements that matter for a given task. The researchers envision that Clio would be useful in many situations and environments in which a robot would have to quickly survey and make sense of its surroundings in the context of its given task.“Search and rescue is the motivating application for this work, but Clio can also power domestic robots and robots working on a factory floor alongside humans,” says Luca Carlone, associate professor in MIT’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AeroAstro), principal investigator in the Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems (LIDS), and director of the MIT SPARK Laboratory. “It’s really about helping the robot understand the environment and what it has to remember in order to carry out its mission.”The team details their results in a <a href="https://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/157072" target="_blank">study appearing today</a> in the journal Robotics and Automation Letters. Carlone’s co-authors include members of the SPARK Lab: Dominic Maggio, Yun Chang, Nathan Hughes, and Lukas Schmid; and members of MIT Lincoln Laboratory: Matthew Trang, Dan Griffith, Carlyn Dougherty, and Eric Cristofalo.<h2>Open fields</h2>Huge advances in the fields of computer vision and natural language processing have enabled robots to identify objects in their surroundings. But until recently, robots were only able to do so in “closed-set” scenarios, where they are programmed to work in a carefully curated and controlled environment, with a finite number of objects that the robot has been pretrained to recognize.In recent years, researchers have taken a more “open” approach to enable robots to recognize objects in more realistic settings. In the field of open-set recognition, researchers have leveraged deep-learning tools to build neural networks that can process billions of images from the internet, along with each image’s associated text (such as a friend’s Facebook picture of a dog, captioned “Meet my new puppy!”).From millions of image-text pairs, a neural network learns from, then identifies, those segments in a scene that are characteristic of certain terms, such as a dog. A robot can then apply that neural network to spot a dog in a totally new scene.But a challenge still remains as to how to parse a scene in a useful way that is relevant for a particular task.“Typical methods will pick some arbitrary, fixed level of granularity for determining how to fuse segments of a scene into what you can consider as one ‘object,’” Maggio says. “However, the granularity of what you call an ‘object’ is actually related to what the robot has to do. If that granularity is fixed without considering the tasks, then the robot may end up with a map that isn’t useful for its tasks.”<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1727764931766-MIT-Scene-Tasks-03-press.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Clio quickly segments a scene such as a cluttered cubicle (pictured), and feeds the segments through an “information bottleneck” algorithm that focuses on the segments that only represent target objects relevant to the task at hand. Colored cubes represent segment regions that Clio has picked identified as task-relevant objects that a robot can focus on while ignoring the rest of the scene. Credit: Courtesy of the researchers<h2>Information bottleneck</h2>With Clio, the MIT team aimed to enable robots to interpret their surroundings with a level of granularity that can be automatically tuned to the tasks at hand.For instance, given a task of moving a stack of books to a shelf, the robot should be able to &nbsp;determine that the entire stack of books is the task-relevant object. Likewise, if the task were to move only the green book from the rest of the stack, the robot should distinguish the green book as a single target object and disregard the rest of the scene — including the other books in the stack.The team’s approach combines state-of-the-art computer vision and large language models comprising neural networks that make connections among millions of open-source images and semantic text. They also incorporate mapping tools that automatically split an image into many small segments, which can be fed into the neural network to determine if certain segments are semantically similar. The researchers then leverage an idea from classic information theory called the “information bottleneck,” which they use to compress a number of image segments in a way that picks out and stores segments that are semantically most relevant to a given task.“For example, say there is a pile of books in the scene and my task is just to get the green book. In that case we push all this information about the scene through this bottleneck and end up with a cluster of segments that represent the green book,” Maggio explains. “All the other segments that are not relevant just get grouped in a cluster which we can simply remove. And we’re left with an object at the right granularity that is needed to support my task.”The researchers demonstrated Clio in different real-world environments.“What we thought would be a really no-nonsense experiment would be to run Clio in my apartment, where I didn’t do any cleaning beforehand,” Maggio says.The team drew up a list of natural-language tasks, such as “move pile of clothes” and then applied Clio to images of Maggio’s cluttered apartment. In these cases, Clio was able to quickly segment scenes of the apartment and feed the segments through the Information Bottleneck algorithm to identify those segments that made up the pile of clothes.They also ran Clio on Boston Dynamic’s quadruped robot, Spot. They gave the robot a list of tasks to complete, and as the robot explored and mapped the inside of an office building, Clio ran in real-time on an on-board computer mounted to Spot, to pick out segments in the mapped scenes that visually relate to the given task. The method generated an overlaying map showing just the target objects, which the robot then used to approach the identified objects and physically complete the task.“Running Clio in real-time was a big accomplishment for the team,” Maggio says. “A lot of prior work can take several hours to run.”Going forward, the team plans to adapt Clio to be able to handle higher-level tasks and build upon recent advances in photorealistic visual scene representations.“We’re still giving Clio tasks that are somewhat specific, like ‘find deck of cards,’” Maggio says. “For search and rescue, you need to give it more high-level tasks, like ‘find survivors,’ or ‘get power back on.’ So, we want to get to a more human-level understanding of how to accomplish more complex tasks.”This research was supported, in part, by the U.S. National Science Foundation, the Swiss National Science Foundation, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, the U.S. Office of Naval Research, and the U.S. Army Research Lab Distributed and Collaborative Intelligent Systems and Technology Collaborative Research Alliance.

MIT’s Clio runs in real-time to map task-relevant objects in a robot’s surroundings, allowing the bot (Boston Dynamic’s quadruped robot Spot, pictured) carry out a natural language task (“pick up orange backpack”). Credit: Courtesy of the researchers

A new method called Clio enables robots to quickly map a scene and identify the items they need to complete a given set of tasks.

Helping robots zero in on the objects that matter

Excavators, harvesters, long-haul trucks, and material-handling machines provide essential resources like food, water, and shelter. These diesel-powered vehicles are critical to our daily lives and the global economy. However, the emissions from these vehicles impact our environment.The heavy-duty transport sector faces significant challenges and transformative opportunities as the global focus sharpens on reducing carbon footprints and advancing environmental sustainability. This vital industry, responsible for the movement of goods and services across vast distances, must adapt rapidly to new emissions regulations, evolving technologies, and best practices to align with sustainability goals.The upcoming “Heavy-Duty Sustainable Transport Symposium” will bring together industry experts to explore the latest advancements and discuss solutions for a more sustainable future in heavy-duty transport. Join us to learn, connect, and be part of the change.What:&nbsp;Heavy-Duty Sustainable Transport SymposiumWhen:&nbsp;May 7-8, 2025 in SwedenHow: <a href="https://www.sae.org/attend/heavy-duty-sustainable-transport-symposium" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Register attendance here. (Available December 1)</a><h2 dir="ltr">The Need for Sustainable Heavy-Duty Transport</h2>As we face increasing climate challenges, the transportation sector's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions must be reduced significantly and urgently. This transformation is not only necessary but complex, requiring a blend of innovative technologies, updated regulations, and coordinated efforts across industries.Sustainability in transportation is essential for several reasons:<ul><li dir="ltr">Environmental Impact: The transportation sector is a major contributor to global emissions, which significantly impact climate change. Reducing these emissions is critical for mitigating global warming.</li><li dir="ltr">Economic Necessity: Transportation is integral to economic development, enabling the movement of goods and services. Sustainable practices ensure this essential function does not come at the cost of environmental health.</li><li dir="ltr">Quality of Life: Access to transportation is closely tied to quality of life, connecting communities with healthcare, education, and employment. Sustainable transport systems support societal needs while reducing environmental damage.</li></ul>Despite its challenges, achieving sustainability in heavy-duty transport is possible. Through collective action, technological advancements, and regulatory support, we can make significant strides towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzI3MDg4NzQxMjY2LXRydWNrIDIuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Credit: cmsostenible<h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">The Heavy-Duty Sustainable Transport Symposium</h2>The Heavy-Duty Sustainable Transport Symposium is designed to bring together industry leaders, innovators, and professionals to address the pressing challenges and opportunities in sustainable heavy-duty transport.&nbsp;It is scheduled for May 7-8, 2025, at the Chalmers Conference Centre in Gothenburg, Sweden, and focuses on the latest advancements, regulatory developments, and best practices in the field.The symposium will address the most pressing sustainability issues in heavy-duty transport, providing participants with the knowledge and tools needed to drive meaningful change.You can learn more about the symposium <a href="https://www.sae.org/attend/heavy-duty-sustainable-transport-symposium" target="_blank">here</a>.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1727172040425-social_media_1080x1080_p241497602_hvydut_25_look_fe.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><h3 dir="ltr">Key Sessions of the Symposium&nbsp;</h3>The Heavy-Duty Sustainable Transport Symposium will feature a diverse range of sessions designed to address critical aspects of sustainability in the heavy-duty transport sector.&nbsp;Here’s what you will discover:<h4 dir="ltr">1. Global Legislation Framework</h4>You will learn about the evolving global legislation concerning ICE emissions, CO2, fuels, and their impact on greenhouse gasses (GHG) and air quality in various regions, including the US, Europe, and China. This session will provide you with critical insights into how recent and upcoming legislative changes influence strategic decisions regarding fuel and powertrain options, CO2 reduction, and pollutant emissions control.<h4 dir="ltr">2. Electrification (Including Batteries and Fuel Cells)</h4>This session will cover the latest advancements in electric propulsion systems, which are among the most energy-efficient technologies available. You will explore the challenges of energy density and the impact of battery and fuel cell packaging on vehicle range and load capacity. This session will also cover the transformation of vehicle architecture and the global challenges in supporting the necessary changes.<h4 dir="ltr">3. Aftertreatment for IC Engines and Hydrogen ICE</h4>The session will look into the cutting-edge developments in exhaust aftertreatment systems for both internal combustion engines and hydrogen combustion engines. This session will cover advancements in catalysts, particulate filter technologies, and how stricter emission regulations drive innovations in aftertreatment systems. You will gain insights into achieving future zero-impact emission vehicle operations.<h4 dir="ltr">4. Renewable Fuels&nbsp;</h4>The session will explore the role of renewable fuels in achieving greenhouse gas emission reductions. It will highlight existing and emerging options such as HVO (Renewable Diesel), biogas, biodiesel, renewable hydrogen, and eFuels. You will understand how new production technologies and shifting legislation are shaping the future of renewable fuels.<h2 dir="ltr">Benefits of Attending the Symposium</h2>Attending the Heavy-Duty Sustainable Transport Symposium offers numerous advantages for engineers:&nbsp;<ul><li dir="ltr">Comprehensive Knowledge: You will gain a thorough understanding of the latest advancements and regulatory changes impacting the heavy-duty transport sector. Sessions will cover critical topics like emissions control, electrification, and renewable fuels, giving you a complete view of current and future trends.</li><li dir="ltr">Valuable Networking: The symposium offers ample opportunities to connect with industry leaders, peers, and potential partners. Building these relationships can open doors to new collaborations and support your professional endeavors.</li><li dir="ltr">Insights into Cutting-Edge Technologies: You will have the opportunity to discover and assess the newest technologies in the field. From electric propulsion systems to advanced aftertreatment solutions, you will see how these innovations are shaping the future of sustainable transport.</li><li dir="ltr">Practical Applications: The symposium will provide actionable insights and best practices that you can apply directly to your work. These practical solutions will help you address sustainability challenges and improve your systems.</li><li dir="ltr">Professional Development:&nbsp;You will stay up-to-date with industry developments, enhancing your expertise and positioning yourself as a knowledgeable professional in the heavy-duty transport sector.</li></ul><h2 dir="ltr">Who Should Attend?</h2>The Heavy-Duty Sustainable Transport Symposium is ideal for &nbsp;engineers, regulators, OEMs, research groups, and industry partners. Engineers will gain insights into the latest technological advancements, while regulators will understand the implications of evolving emissions legislation. OEMs will stay updated on new regulations and best practices, aiding in developing future-proof products.Research groups will present findings and collaborate on sustainable transport projects, and industry partners will discover new business opportunities and network with key players.&nbsp;Participants will have the chance to connect with peers, learn from industry leaders, and explore cutting-edge sustainable transport technologies.<h2 dir="ltr">Behind the Scenes: Organizing Companies &nbsp;</h2>The Heavy-Duty Sustainable Transport Symposium wouldn't be possible without the support and expertise of its organizing companies. These industry leaders bring invaluable knowledge and innovative solutions to the table, ensuring the event provides the latest insights and advancements in sustainable transport.&nbsp;Let's take a closer look at the key companies behind this important symposium:<h3 dir="ltr">Neste</h3>Neste is a leading producer of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Committed to combating climate change, Neste provides innovative solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Their expertise in renewable energy technologies makes them a crucial player in driving sustainability in the heavy-duty transport sector.<h3 dir="ltr">Volvo</h3>Volvo, a global leader in automotive manufacturing, is renowned for its dedication to safety, quality, and environmental care. Volvo's advancements in electric and hybrid heavy-duty vehicles highlight its commitment to sustainable transport solutions. Its participation in the symposium highlights its role in shaping the future of green transportation.<h3 dir="ltr">NGK</h3>NGK Insulators is a leading manufacturer of ceramic products, including insulators, automotive components, and environmental products. They are at the forefront of developing technologies that improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. Their contributions to the symposium emphasize the importance of innovation in achieving sustainability goals.<h3 dir="ltr">Johnson Matthey</h3>Johnson Matthey is a global leader in sustainable technologies, specializing in emission control systems and catalysts. Their cutting-edge solutions help reduce harmful emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier planet. Johnson Matthey's involvement in the symposium highlights their role in advancing sustainable transport technologies.<h2 dir="ltr">Register your attendance now</h2>The Heavy-Duty Sustainable Transport Symposium is a crucial event for industry professionals to gain insight into the latest advancements and regulatory frameworks in sustainable heavy-duty transportation. It provides a unique opportunity for participants to engage with cutting-edge research, explore innovative solutions, and connect with industry leaders.&nbsp;Attendees will be equipped with the knowledge and connections needed to drive forward the future of sustainable transport, ensuring their organizations remain at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.<a href="https://www.sae.org/attend/heavy-duty-sustainable-transport-symposium" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Registrations open December 1, 2024</a>.

The upcoming “Heavy-Duty Sustainable Transport Symposium” May 7-8, 2025 in Sweden, will bring together industry experts to explore the latest advancements and discuss solutions for a more sustainable future in heavy-duty transport.

2025 Symposium: Leading Sustainable Heavy-Duty Transport

For humans throughout history, the sky has evoked thoughts of a vast emptiness, of a great vacant dome punctuated during the day by the sun, and at night by numerous tiny spots of light (and, periodically, by the moon). As we have ventured into space, both physically, with spacecraft, and optically, with a range of telescopic technologies, we now know that there is quite a lot of stuff up there.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MPXj6pBBrD0?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe>Simulations at Caltech model a new way for autonomous spacecraft to avoid collisions. This technology holds promise for autonomous vehicles on Earth as well as in space. Credit: James RaganThis discovery has profound implications for the aerospace industry. Imagine, for example, a multibillion-dollar autonomous spacecraft that has been carefully designed and engineered for years is launched into space with precision calculations only to lose one of its thrusters and go sailing into an asteroid.Historically, engineers have dealt with the possibility of equipment failure on board spacecraft in two main ways: First, by having a "safe mode" in which the spacecraft can do the least amount of damage to itself while scientists on the ground look at the data, make a diagnosis, and develop a solution; and second, by equipping autonomous vehicles with redundant systems. These allow a spacecraft to, for example, shut off a malfunctioning thruster and start using backup thrusters.However, dangerous situations may crop up in space with little warning and insufficient time for space-to-ground communications. And though redundant systems have been quite effective, they add to the expense and heft of autonomous spacecraft.This is why experiments are being conducted in the laboratory of Soon-Jo Chung, Bren Professor of Control and Dynamical Systems and senior research scientist at JPL, which Caltech manages for NASA, to streamline emergency features on autonomous vehicles such that they can diagnose and safely respond to encounters with other objects in real time. With new algorithms on board, spacecraft can test their own equipment and predict which future actions are most likely to keep them operating safely.As one of the supervisors for this project, Fred Hadaegh, research professor in aerospace at Caltech and former JPL chief technologist, explains: "Having redundant systems is not always practical. It means the spacecraft has to be bigger, heavier, and more expensive than it would be otherwise. So, the idea here is that when a spacecraft encounters a problem, it can figure out what's not working and correct or adapt to that specific fault."Chung's lab houses, among other things, an advanced multispacecraft dynamics simulator facility. "The simulator occupies a large room with a really flat floor," explains James Ragan, a PhD student in the Graduate Aerospace Laboratories of the California Institute of Technology (GALCIT) and lead author of this paper. "The model spacecraft uses air bearings so that it moves across the floor with near zero friction. At rest, it seems to be floating, and if you push it in one direction, it will keep going until it hits something, which is what space dynamics are like."Ragan has programmed the robotic spacecraft simulator with what he and his co-authors call s-FEAST: Safe Fault Estimation via Active Sensing Tree Search. "Our s-FEAST algorithm rapidly 'dreams' about numerous possible futures that could result from actions it takes now," Ragan says. "Because the system is noisy, these futures are uncertain. There are multiple possible outcomes, which leads to a tree of possible branching futures. Each branch represents one possible way the future might happen, based on things the spacecraft controls—the test actions it selects—and also things it doesn't, such as observations coming from faulty sensors."Chung adds: "What is innovative about our s-FEAST method is that we systematically solve the chicken and egg problem of estimating vehicle states, such as positions and velocities, and inferring failures or degradations, which are intrinsically coupled to one another."When the spacecraft detects unexpected data, it turns to the s-FEAST algorithm, which runs test actions "similar to how you might carefully test your muscles when you feel an unexpected pain, and you want to figure out just what hurts and how to avoid actions that might further injure you," Ragan explains.s-FEAST simultaneously spins out a range of possible futures and from those selects the course of action that appears most likely to diagnose what went wrong and also to avoid danger. In the case of this model, danger amounts to a collision course with an asteroid.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aJ04dlgaP0o?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe>"The key idea here is that s-FEAST isn't replacing all spacecraft operations. It's your emergency response," Ragan says. "The spacecraft receives an internal signal that something is wrong, so s-FEAST takes over all the spacecraft's computing power to quickly assess what's going on and take remedial action. Once the danger is pinpointed and addressed, s-FEAST hands control back to the spacecraft's ordinary computing environment."s-FEAST can also be used proactively. Say an autonomous spacecraft is about to take on a particularly risky or mission-critical action; s-FEAST can run a testing cycle to ensure that all systems are working properly before this action.Chung and his co-authors envision that the proposed method will establish a new way of making expensive space exploration safer and more cost effective. "Space systems make autonomous operations necessary since we cannot grab and fix spacecraft and Mars helicopters operating in a world far away from us," Chung says. "Space is our ultimate ‘proving ground' for any autonomy research we do for Earth-based vehicle systems."Not surprisingly, the s-FEAST algorithm that worked on the spacecraft simulator was adapted by the team to work on a ground track vehicle as well. Both experiments were successful, so s-FEAST technology holds great promise for autonomous vehicles on Earth as well as in space."<a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scirobotics.adn4722" target="_blank">Online Tree-based Planning for Active Spacecraft Fault Estimation and Collision Avoidance</a>" is published in&nbsp;Science Robotics as an online feature article. A preliminary version of this paper received the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eas.caltech.edu/news/jimmy-ragan-and-benjamin-rivi%C3%A8re-receive-2023-aiaa-guidance-navigation-and-control-best-graduate-student-paper-award" target="_blank">2023 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Guidance, Navigation, and Control Best Graduate Student Paper Award</a>. Co-authors are Ragan, Caltech postdoc Benjamin Rivière (PhD '24), Hadaegh, and Chung. This work is funded by the Aerospace Corporation, JPL, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Learning Introspective Control program, and the Technology Innovation Institute.

Simulations at Caltech model a new way for autonomous spacecraft to avoid collisions. This technology holds promise for autonomous vehicles on Earth as well as in space.

A New Approach to Autonomous Vehicle Safety

Advanced onboard diagnostics (OBD) systems play a vital role in monitoring, capable of logging data over time and monitoring the vehicle's performance in real-time. This feature allows for a comprehensive analysis of the car's condition and can help in predicting potential failures. Additionally this data can assist in monitoring vehicle emissions and ensuring compliance with global regulations.Organized by SAE International, On-Board Diagnostics Symposium-Europe event brings together industry stakeholders and government representatives to promote dialogue and explore the latest developments in OBD technology and regulations. The symposium provides a unique platform for attendees to stay informed and gain insights into the future of the automotive industry.Over the course of three days, participants will explore a wide range of topics, from current and changing OBD global emissions rules and regulations to emerging technologies impacting markets worldwide. The symposium's agenda promises to deliver valuable knowledge and actionable strategies for dealing with OBD systems.<table style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 100%;">What:&nbsp;On-Board Diagnostics Symposium-EuropeWhen: March 11 to 13, 2025, in Porto, Portugal.<a href="https://www.sae.org/attend/obd-europe" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Read more about the event</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table><h2 dir="ltr"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzI1ODk2MzM2NTU3LW9yZGluYXJ5LmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></h2><h2 dir="ltr">On-Board Diagnostics Symposium – Europe</h2>The On-Board Diagnostics Symposium-Europe will be held from 11 to 13 March 2025 in Porto, Portugal. This event is organized by SAE International, a respected name in the automotive industry known for its commitment to advancing mobility technology.Porto, a city rich in history and culture, provides a fitting backdrop for this important gathering. The venue is conveniently located, making it easy for attendees to access both the symposium and the city’s many attractions.The symposium will bring together professionals, researchers, and industry leaders from around the world to discuss the latest trends and challenges in On-Board Diagnostics (OBD). Over three days, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in insightful presentations, panel discussions, and workshops, all focused on the future of OBD technology.<h3 dir="ltr">Key Sessions of the Symposium</h3>The On-Board Diagnostics Symposium-Europe will feature a variety of key sessions designed to provide valuable insights and practical knowledge.&nbsp;Here are some of the main topics that will be covered:<h4 dir="ltr">1. OBD Global Emissions Rules &amp; Regulations</h4>This session will focus on the latest updates from important regulatory bodies like CARB, EPA, and the European Commission. Participants will learn about the current emissions standards and the changes that are on the horizon. Understanding these regulations is vital for compliance and innovation in the automotive industry.<h4 dir="ltr">2. Technical Applications and Solutions</h4>In this session, experts will discuss the practical applications of on-board diagnostics technology. They will address potential challenges in implementing regulations and share ideas on how to solve them. This information will help participants apply what they learn to real-world situations.<h4 dir="ltr">3. Emerging Technologies</h4>This session will highlight new technologies that are shaping the future of automotive diagnostics. Participants will explore innovations that can improve powertrain diagnostics and reduce emissions. Staying informed about these technologies is essential for anyone looking to lead in the industry.<h4 dir="ltr">4. Intent of Regulations</h4>Attendees will also explore the goals behind OBD regulations and their impact on emissions reduction. By understanding the purpose of these rules, participants can better align their strategies with the broader objectives of environmental sustainability and public health.<h4 dir="ltr">5. Industry Drivers</h4>The symposium will analyze market trends that influence OBD technology and regulations. Attendees will gain insights into consumer demand, technological advancements, and other factors shaping the automotive industry. This knowledge can help them anticipate future changes and adapt their strategies accordingly.<h4 dir="ltr">6. Legislative Policies &amp; Standards</h4>Understanding the intent behind regulations is important for compliance. This session will explore the legislative policies that influence the automotive sector. Participants will gain insights into how these policies are developed and their impact on the industry.<h2 dir="ltr">Benefits of Attending the Symposium</h2>Attending the On-Board Diagnostics Symposium-Europe offers many valuable benefits for participants. Here are some key advantages:<ul><li dir="ltr">Educational Opportunities: Participants will have access to expert-led sessions that cover the latest guidelines and innovations in on-board diagnostics. These sessions will provide insights into how to improve existing systems and develop new products that meet current and future regulations.&nbsp;</li><li dir="ltr">Networking: The symposium is a great place to connect with peers and industry leaders. Participants can meet professionals from various sectors, including regulators, OEMs, and research groups. This networking can lead to valuable partnerships and collaborations. It also provides a chance to find mentors who can guide young engineers in their careers.</li><li dir="ltr">Future Trends: The event will focus on emerging trends in the automotive industry. Participants will gain insights into the future of heavy-duty vehicles and how to adapt to changes in technology and regulations.&nbsp;</li><li dir="ltr">Professional Growth:&nbsp;For young engineers, attending the symposium is an important step for professional development. They will learn about the latest advancements and best practices in the industry. This knowledge can enhance their skills and boost their careers.</li></ul><h2 dir="ltr">Who Should Attend?</h2>The On-Board Diagnostics Symposium-Europe is ideal for professionals across the automotive industry. This includes engineers, regulators, OEMs, research groups, and industry partners.&nbsp;Whether you are looking to stay updated on the latest OBD technologies, understand evolving regulations, or network with industry leaders, this event offers valuable insights and opportunities for everyone involved in vehicle diagnostics and compliance. Young engineers, in particular, will find the symposium beneficial for advancing their careers and staying competitive in the field.<h2 dir="ltr">A key event for the automotive industry</h2>The On-Board Diagnostics Symposium-Europe is an unmissable event for anyone involved in the automotive industry. With its focus on the latest regulations, technologies, and best practices in OBD systems, this symposium offers a unique opportunity to enhance your knowledge and network with industry leaders. Whether you are a young engineer eager to learn or a seasoned professional looking to stay ahead of the curve, this event will provide valuable insights and connections.&nbsp;Visit the event page to read more about the OBD Event program and to sign up for updates about when the registration for the event opens. Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of the conversation shaping the future of sustainable transport!<a href="https://www.sae.org/attend/obd-europe" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="button-main-action">Visit event page</a>

The "On-Board Diagnostics Symposium-Europe," taking place on March 11-13, 2025, in Porto, Portugal, will gather leading professionals from the automotive industry to explore the latest developments and strategies for advancing vehicle diagnostics and compliance with global regulations.

Shaping the Future of Automotive Diagnostics: OBD-EU Symposium 2025

<h2 id="isPasted">Enhancing Security Using the Latest Technology</h2>Security is a topic on everyone’s minds today, and as technology gets more advanced, it can be easier to bypass the older systems that others have built. Large-scale system hacks are highly publicized and can affect a wide range of people, but smaller scale hacks can be just as devastating. Therefore, it’s essential to use the best technology to protect what matters most, such as your home and family. Face recognition can provide a more effective home security solution than traditional keys and keypads. Physical keys can be duplicated, stolen, lost, or forgotten, and key codes can be guessed, forgotten, or shared with unauthorized users. Accurate face recognition technology has none of those disadvantages, and owners can easily manage the authorization of each person and log their entries.With some of these legacy security systems becoming easier to bypass, we need to constantly develop new solutions using the latest technology to keep the highest level of security. This is where the smart door lock, utilizing machine learning and 3D facial recognition from AMD technology partner Makarena Labs, comes into play. In this blog, we discuss how smart door technology is bringing peace of mind to the front door and more with a superior level of security.<h2>Addressing Current Security Problems in Smart Door Locks</h2>Smart door locks can provide increased protection for homes and other consumer dwelling spaces, like garages or sheds, but previous versions of smart locks can be easily tricked. Due to the incorporated technology—generally a standard CMOS sensor—previous smart locks can be fooled into opening by using 2D pictures of an authorized person’s face. This results in a false recognition and the system will allow an unauthorized person entry, which is a major security breach that needs to be addressed. &nbsp;AMD, in partnership with Makarena, have developed a capable solution, based on the AMD <a href="https://www.mouser.com/new/xilinx/xilinx-zynq-7000-socs/" target="_blank">Zynq™ 7000 SoC</a>, that provides a fully functional and robust design using 3D facial recognition. This advanced facial recognition is achieved through a camera that uses IR Time-of-Flight (TOF) or Lidar technology to bounce a pattern off the face of the person attempting to gain entry, while the sensors in the smart lock capture the reflection (Figure 1).<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1725853250211-Figure_1_Makarena_Labs_Smart_Lock.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 1: This smart lock design, developed by AMD and their partner Makarena, is based on the AMD Zynq 7000 SoC, incorporates IR TOF or Lidar technology to detect and create a 3D map of the face, and compares the 3D map to the authorized users in the system, only unlocking if a match is found. (Source: AMD)Using the reflection captured by the sensors, the system creates a 3D map of the face and compares it to the authorized users in the system, only unlocking if a match is found (Figure 2). The CMOS sensor provides an added layer of accuracy and simplifies user management for the homeowner by providing images of each authorized user.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1725853270469-Figure2_Detection_authorization_process.webp" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 2: The smart door lock’s detection and authorization process ensures accuracy while simplifying user management. (Source: AMD)This advanced smart door lock system also works in complete darkness and can recognize authorized people even while they are wearing glasses, hats, or facial covers.The AMD Zynq 7000 SoC design can be easily configured and customized by OEMs with help on hand from Makarena Labs, providing a lock that can store a family’s authorized faces and accurately authorize or reject them in under a second. For applications that need to store a larger number of faces, such as a neighborhood’s security gate, the higher performance AMD&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mouser.com/new/xilinx/xilinx-zynq-ultrascale-mpsocs/" target="_blank">Zynq UltraScale+™ MPSoC</a> can support fast recognition even with hundreds of authorized faces. Both parts include robust security engines, which OEM customers can configure to load only authentically signed, encrypted firmware.If you're interested in hearing more about the smart lock solution, please reach out to sales@makarenalabs.com.AMD, and the AMD Arrow logo, UltraScale+, Zynq, and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.The <a href="https://community.amd.com/t5/adaptive-computing/smart-door-locks-enhancing-security-with-machine-learning/ba-p/583320" rel="noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Smart Door Locks – Enhancing Security with Machine Learning</a> blog was first published on amd.com and was reposted here with permission.<hr>Xilinx develops highly flexible and adaptive processing platforms that enable rapid innovation across a variety of technologies, from the endpoint to the edge to the cloud. Specializing in programmable logic devices, Xilinx is the semiconductor company that invented the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), the hardware programmable System on Chip (SoC), and the Adaptive Compute Acceleration Platform (ACAP).

In this blog, we discuss how smart door technology is bringing peace of mind to the front door and more with a superior level of security.

Smart Door Locks - Enhancing Security with Machine Learning

To successfully create durable smart devices, you need to begin with the stresses they will face.  Learn about the common issues smart city applications must overcome every day. 

Designing Rugged PCBAs for Smart City Applications

Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) are poised to revolutionize human transportation by making it more safe, comfortable, and reliable. From passenger travel to cargo transportation, AVs equipped with AI and sensors offer tremendous potential. 

What is an Autonomous Vehicle: A Comprehensive Guide to its Engineering Principles and Applications

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Introduction

Sensing Technologies

Thinking and Learning

EDGE and RTOS

Communication and Connectivity

Security

Tech Stack

Examining the latest developments in self-driving vehicles.

Autonomous Vehicle Technology Report

autonomous vehicles

A LiDAR sensor is more compact mountable on a vehicle for driver assistance

Explore the key differences, advantages, and applications of lidar and radar technologies in modern engineering projects.

Lidar vs. Radar: Comprehensive Comparison and Analysis

Enhancing Efficiency with AGVs and AMR

AGV vs AMR: A Comprehensive Comparison in the World of Automation

Chinese food delivery commercial Meituan testing an autonomous vehicle

The automotive industry undergoes a profound transformation through the IoT's power. Vehicle connectivity and autonomous driving redefine transportation, offering innovative opportunities. Embracing IoT's potential, our daily lives are poised for a significant shift in the automotive sector.

Driving Innovation: Harnessing IoT Potential in the Automotive Sector

In this article, we will dive deep into the world of simultaneous localization and mapping using Lidar technology. Lidar SLAM has been gaining popularity in recent years, thanks to its versatility and applications across various domains, including autonomous vehicles, mobile robotics, and indoor mapping.

Lidar SLAM: The Ultimate Guide to Simultaneous Localization and Mapping

Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technology is transforming the transportation industry by enabling advanced communication between vehicles, infrastructure, and other road users. This breakthrough technology has the potential to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and support the development of autonomous vehicles.

Designing C-V2X Communication Systems: Key Engineering Considerations and Best Practices

Autonomous Vehicles

Autonomous Vehicle Technology Report

Introduction

1. Sensing Technologies

2. Thinking and Learning

3. EDGE and RTOS

4. Communication and Connectivity

5. Security

6. Tech Stack

What is an Autonomous Vehicle: A Comprehensive Guide to its Engineering Principles and Applications

Profiles