News
Weekend Roundup
This Week in the Unmanned Systems and Robotics World
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and Hyperloop One have unveiled a concept for the world’s first Hyperloop pods and portals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The pods and portals are designed to make the passenger experience more convenient and accommodating. The pods can hold six people, and they will travel within a transporter that moves at nearly 700 MPH. The goal is to turn a two-hour drive from downtown Dubai to downtown Abu Dhabi to a 12-minute ride using the portal and pods. (Arch Daily)
Queensland University of Technology and the Gold Coast, Tweed and Logan councils have developed a UAV aimed at tracking endangered koala populations in Australia. The UAV is equipped with tracking algorithms and thermal imaging technology to differentiate the koalas from other animals. The system underwent its first trial last month. (Gold Coast Bulletin)
The Netherlands will have their ParkShuttle driverless vehicle for at least two more years, as the system was renewed until 2018. A product of a company called 2GetThere, the ParkShuttle driverless vehicle has been in operation for the last 17 years. During that time, the vehicle has traveled more than 124,000 miles, while transporting more than 2,000 passengers per day. (ITS International)
A company called Charge believes that not only can it develop driverless trucks, but it can assemble one in just four hours. The company believes that using 10 men in two shifts a day, it could produce 10,000 trucks a year. The trucks, besides being super convenient to make, are also environment friendly, as they produce zero emission for the first 100 miles of travel. (Interesting Engineering)
Local Motors and Grant Imahara have teamed up to create a 3D printed, autonomous car that comes with its own 3D printed drone. The design allows for the car to drive itself while the person seated in the driver’s seat operates a UAS that can feed video footage back to the car to provide information on things such as upcoming traffic. (Inverse)
The FAA has approved the use of drones at Disney Land and Disney World. According to a report, Disney World is planning to use drones this month for a new show at its dining and entertainment complex. A video preview of the show can be seen here. (Boing Boing)
Students at Texas A&M are working on turning a 2005 Ford F-150 into a fully autonomous vehicle. The Ford, which has had more than $100,000 invested into it, will include a variety of technology, including a Global Positioning System to navigate it. Thus far, the vehicle has been tested in controlled environments. (NBCDFW)
Starship Technologies Inc. is continuing its expansion into the United States, as the London-based autonomous ground delivery company received approval to operate its autonomous delivery bots in Redwood City, California starting next month. The nine-month pilot will see 20 bots make grocery and meal deliveries across the city. (Silicon Valley Business Journal)
China has developed a USV that’s chief use will be for submarine detection. The USV, named the SeaFly-01, is 10.25 meters long, has a maximum speed of 45 knots, or nearly 52 MPH, and can carry a variety of equipment including a photoelectric scout device and light weapons. (Indian Express)
