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Cybersecurity from Space: Canada Invests in Quantum Technology

The Canadian Space Agency’s Quantum EncrYption and Science Satellite (QEYSSat) mission will test quantum technology that protects communications in space. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is awarding a contract worth $30 million to Honeywell for the design and implementation phases of the QEYSSat mission, according to press release issued by the CSA.

Current encryption methods are expected to be rendered obsolete within the next decade by the exceptional processing power of quantum computers. Slated for launch in 2022, QEYSSat will demonstrate quantum key distribution (QKD) technology in space. This emerging encryption technology will offer Canada a new, more effective method of securing the transfer of information.

Cyient announces strategic investment in Cylus

Cyient has announced a corporate venture investment in Cylus, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions for the rail industry. This investment is in line with the company’s focus on developing smarter and safer mobility solutions for the rail industry. It brings together Cyient’s leadership position in engineering solutions for rail and focus on digitalization, with Cylus’ cybersecurity solutions developed specifically for the rail industry. Israelbased Cylus is the developer of CylusOne, a cybersecurity software product, designed for mainline and urban rail systems. The solution detects cyber threats in the signaling and control networks, both trackside and onboard, facilitating a timely and effective response. www.cyient.com

New AI system makes autonomous vehicle navigation more humanlike

A paper delivered by MIT researchers at the International Conference on Robotics and Automation recently described a novel approach to AI for driverless vehicles. Their new system will draw on the fact that human drivers tend to be quite adept at negotiating never-beforeseen terrain from behind the wheel.

A departure from most current self-driving tech, this fledgling model uses visual cues and easy-to-follow maps rather than rigorous computation of all the new roads in the area. Using a machine learning model called a convolutional neural network (CNN), the AI “observes” the way human drivers handle new environments as they travel about a fresh (albeit confined) area. It can then mimic what it learned from the human’s responses to take a self-driving car along a brand new route, provided the trip shares certain similarities with the trial run. As incongruities between its basic layout and the actual trip it’s making emerge en route, it can take simple corrective measures similar to the responses of the human driver.

In live testing, a human took a Toyota Prius (complete with a self-driving camera and navigation system) through a residential area. The CNN collected data on the steering patterns of the driver through this area in response to obstacles and other stimuli and correlated them to sensory inputs. Over time, a pattern of the most likely steering responses to various driving situations emerged. Then, given only a basic map of an entirely different area, the control system took the car safely through the test zone. www.engineering.com

O2 and ESA to explore connectivity solutions for autonomous vehicles

O2 and the European Space Agency will be supporting ‘Project Darwin’, an ambitious four year trial programme designed to pave the way for next generation connectivity solutions for connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs). The project aims to test new technology and end-to-end connectivity solutions including 5G and satellite communications to ultimately create a new CAV industry vertical.

Based in the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire, ‘Project Darwin’ will bring together Oxford and Glasgow Universities, Spanish satellite operator Hispasat, startups specialised in self-driving mobility solutions and Darwin Innovation Group Oxford – a cutting edge innovation company connecting terrestrial and satellite communications. https://news.o2.co.uk

Analog Devices and First Sensor to accelerate the future of Autonomous Driving

Analog Devices, Inc. has announced a collaboration with First Sensor AG to develop products aimed at speeding the launch of autonomous sensing technology serving unmanned automotive, aerial and underwater vehicles in transportation, smart agriculture, industrial manufacturing and other industries. As part of the collaboration, Analog Devices and First Sensor are developing offerings that shrink the LIDAR signal chain to enable higher system performance as well as reduce size, weight, power and cost for manufacturers designing sensing and perception technology into their autonomous safety systems. www.analog.com

BlackBerry and LG partnership to drive autonomous vehicle technology

BlackBerry Limited has announced that it is expanding its partnership with LG Electronics Inc. to accelerate the deployment of connected and autonomous vehicle technology for automotive OEMs and suppliers around the world.

As part of the agreement, LG Electronics will use a range of BlackBerry QNX software and services to build next generation digital consolidated cockpits, including infotainment systems, digital instrument clusters, and telematics systems for multiple OEMs.

Toyota plans to sign Baidu’s self-driving platform Apollo

Toyota Motor plans to sign Chinese internet search provider Baidu’s autonomous driving platform Apollo. Launched in 2017, it is an open platform that is driven by Machine Learning through which companies can develop their own autonomous systems. Through this expertise, Toyota plans to develop its autonomous vehicles in China. https://asia.nikkei.com

Intel launches project to help Israeli tech startups in AI

Intel Corporation has announced a program to advance open innovation and accelerate early-stage startup companies in Israel targeting key industry inflection points, including artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems and other datacentric technologies and business models.

Based in Tel Aviv, the program called Ignite will leverage Intel’s global market access and business and technology leadership to provide early-stage startups with unique advantages on their paths to disrupt the future.

Following a rigorous selection process, Intel will host 10 to 15 top pre-seed to seed startups through a 20-week program where they will receive hands-on mentorship from Intel and industry experts in a variety of product, business, management and technical areas. Intel is committed to accelerate their growth and scale their ideas for greater impact. https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com

South Korea tests first 5G enabled autonomous bus

An autonomous bus carrying passengers demonstrated self-driving technology by using 5G networks for the first time in Seoul.

The bus has a three-level drive capability. This means it can run on its own on pre-defined routes. The bus doesn’t need any drivers but there is a driver’s seat that has been allocated. This is because at least one manpower is needed in case of any mishap.

Vehicles and roads were connected using 5G network with various traffic signals. Vehicles and road facilities were connected with a 5G network to respond to various traffic signal information and unexpected situations on roads. The autonomous bus was able to recognize traffic signals, pedestrians and would also slow down or stop in case of any interruption. www.news18.com