Showing posts with label autonomous. Show all posts
Showing posts with label autonomous. Show all posts
Sunday, April 9, 2017
How Fords autonomous cars can see in the dark
How Fords autonomous cars can see in the dark
...even without headlights...!
In a recent test, Fords self-driving Fusion was able to use LiDAR technology and 3D maps to successfully navigate in total darkness.
Fords autonomous car can officially see in the dark. On Monday, the automaker released the results of recent research showing how a Ford Fusion with self-driving capabilities was able to navigate a test course at the Ford Arizona Proving Ground in complete darkness, without the help of headlights.
The vehicle used Velodyne LiDAR technology and 3D maps to accomplish its drive. It should be noted that there isnt a reason that the LiDAR wouldnt be able to perform in a no-light situation, as it uses self-emitted lasers to illuminate and map its surroundings.
However, many self-driving cars also rely on special cameras and radar technologies as well. Ford acknowledged this, saying that having all three technologies present is the best option, but the research shows that LiDAR "can function independently on roads without stoplights." It is important to note the "without stoplights" clause, as this severely limits night driving in most instances.
That said, it is still an important accomplishment in the autonomous car market to have a vehicle able to operate in complete darkness. The main marketing push for autonomous vehicles from automobile manufacturers and tech companies alike is the perceived increase in safety that comes with a car that can drive itself. If a company is able to confirm that there will be no change in performance regardless of the time of day or available light, it could be one more step forward for these vehicles.
As mentioned in Fords press release, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that vehicle fatalities three times more often when it is dark outside than when it is light. If Fords Fusion can truly "perform beyond the limits of human drivers," it could potentially lessen that ratio, or eliminate it altogether.
"Thanks to LiDAR, the test cars arent reliant on the sun shining, nor cameras detecting painted white lines on the asphalt," says Jim McBride, Ford technical leader for autonomous vehicles. "In fact, LiDAR allows autonomous cars to drive just as well in the dark as they do in the light of day."
In addition to the LiDAR technology, the test car also used 3D maps of the surrounding area to get where it was going. The pulses from the LiDAR, which happen about 2.8 million times a second, helped the car understand where it was on the map as it was driving.
To chart the vehicle, Ford researchers monitored its performance from both inside and outside of the automobile, using a light grid to see if the car would stay on course. Ford researcher Wayne Williams said the Ford Fusion moved "precisely" along the desert roads it was tested on.
Ford has recently been testing its autonomous fleet in other hazardous conditions such as snow, earlier this year. Additionally, Google added rain to its testing conditions in February as well. Its clear that accounting for non-standard driving situations will be a key hurdle to making autonomous vehicles ready for general public use.
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Thursday, February 9, 2017
How a drone on a leash will transform autonomous flying
How a drone on a leash will transform autonomous flying
CyPhy Works is releasing a tethered drone that can do things no other drones have done before. Heres what you need to know.
Persistent Aerial Reconnaissance and Communications (PARC)
Its no coincidence that some of the most advanced drones to date are being created by CyPhy Works.
The CEO, Helen Greiner, has a history of starting groundbreaking companies. In 1990, she co-founded iRobot, now famous for the Roomba, as well as other small robots. But her interest began long before that—as a kid, Greiner was inspired by R2-D2, the Star Wars droid with a personality. Since then, shes "always wanted to build robots that are more than machines."
She left iRobot and started CyPhy Works, a company for creating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), in 2008. And while there are dozens of drone manufacturers springing up, one of CyPhy Workss models, the Persistent Aerial Reconnaissance and Communications, (PARC), has a unique feature: a tether.
The 400-foot tether connects UAVs to a control base with a fishing line-like microfilament they call "superfine." The company says the line is "impervious to jamming and unaffected by water, power lines, and other possible interferences."
And while the concept of the tether may seem counterintuitive, limiting the motion and reach of a drone, there are a few important benefits:
- Continuous power. Unlike other drones, this one has unlimited power and can stay afloat for hours on end, which is critical in cases of security or military use.
- Fast data transfer. Since PARC doesnt rely on a wireless connection, data passed through the tether is reliable, consistent, and high-speed.
- Secure communication. The tether connects directly to the UAVs Ground Control Station (GCS), which means that information cant be intercepted. (The Armys Red Team already tried-and failed-to hack it).
Greiner expects that PARC, what she calls a "persistent" drone, will have important military-its already certified-and security applications. "From a combat outpost to a construction site, to a farm, to a mine, you can have eyes on the whole process, all the time." Especially in the military, the constant surveillance is critical. "Whether its monitoring a facility, covering a sporting event, or giving a live feed from a hostage situation, you know where everybody is."
Drones can solve problems robots cant, said Greiner. "When you go a little bit higher, above the treetops, above buildings, above the telephone wires, its pretty much free space, like a highway."
"Even R2-D2 had jet packs to get around," said Greiner. "He couldnt do stairs."
The 3 big takeaways for TechRepublic readers
- Drones are poised to radically transform our ability to surveil.
- PARCs tether can have it in-air indefinitely-a huge help when it comes to monitoring any kind of activity.
- Cybersecurity is a major issue for all kinds of autonomous vehicles, and CyPhy Workss tethered drone allows for a safe connection and transfer of information.
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