LBS

Real-time, location-based innovation for TCS DigiFleet

HERE Technologies has partnered with Tata Consultancy Services(TCS) to bring real-time location-based services and analytics to its IoT-enabled SaaS suite, TCS DigiFleet, which leverages IoT, AI, and machine learning to address global logistics challenges. Powered by the HERE location platform, the enhanced fleet and freight management solution will enable TCS to provide its customers with up-to-date map visualization, historic and real-time route optimization, robust geocoding and provide end-to-end supply chain visibility. Other key capabilities of the enhanced solution include navigation, route assistance, vehicle health management for automotive fleets and last mile delivery for enterprises across the global supply chain, and the e-commerce sector.

TCS DigiFleet uses the power of IoT, AI, and machine learning to solve fleet management challenges. A network of IoT devices helps to establish end-to-end connectivity across the fleet and related assets such as warehouses. It leverages AI and ML to analyze data and recommend the best routes, load composition, and maintenance measures. www.here.com

Test solution for UWB device localization

Rohde & Schwarz and Colby Instruments have joined forces to provide the UWB ecosystem with an extremely accurate test solution for angle of arrival (AoA) and phase difference of arrival (PDoA)characterization.

Engineers testing UWB devices now can combine the R&S CMP200 radio communication tester and WMT software service to implement automated wireless manufacturing testing from Rohde & Schwarz with the high-precision delay lines XT-200 from Colby Instruments to perform measurements in conducted mode including calibration and verification. In UWB technology, the distance between two devices is calculated by accurately measuring the time a UWB signal needs to travel from a transmitter to a receiver (time of flight). By measuring the time or phase difference of a signal received at both UWB receive antennas, it is possible to calculate the angle of arrival. The delay lines let users characterize the DUT with a delay range from 0 to 625 ps and a resolution of 0.50 ps, making it possible to simulate even granular angles and distances. The R&S CMP200 combines the capabilities of a signal analyzer and generator in a single instrument and offers a complete solution for transmitter and receiver measurements in conducted and radiated environments. www.rohde-schwarz.com

Pilot safety framework for off-highway autonomous vehicle deployment

Oxbotica and TRL have piloted the use of the first Code of Practice for the safe and cost-effective deployment of autonomous vehicles in unstructured off-highway environments, with a live trial conducted in a quarry using a number of off-road vehicles. The Innovate UK-funded consortium has developed and demonstrated capabilities to adapt and retrofit autonomy, using robust low-cost sensors, to any vehicle, as well as drafting a Code of Practice that identifies the key elements for safe and efficient deployment of autonomous vehicles in off-road industries.

To demonstrate the Code Of Practice and highlight its potential to work across a range of vehicles and industries, Oxbotica and TRL deployed a Ford Ranger and Range Rover Evoque, retrofitted with Oxbotica’s autonomy software platform, in a UK quarry in April 2021. The vehicles were fitted with a full suite of sensors, including LiDAR, RADAR, and stereo cameras. www.oxbotica.com

Next stage of autonomous vehicle trials on public roads

Project Endeavour – a Government-backed mobility research project – is the UK’s first multi-city demonstration of autonomous vehicle services and capability. The Birmingham trials follow a successful deployment in Oxford and the project will culminate with a final demonstration at a showcase event in Greenwich in August 2021.

The Project Endeavour trial will feature four Ford Mondeo vehicles fitted with LiDAR, radar and stereo cameras and integrated with Oxbotica’s autonomy software platform. The fleet, capable of Level 4 autonomous driving, will operate in a five mile area around Lea Hall station, between Birmingham International Airport and the city center. During the trials, a professionally-trained safety driver will be in the vehicle, capable of resuming control if necessary.

Trials will run throughout the day for several weeks, allowing Oxbotica’s autonomous vehicles to experience a range of traffic scenarios and weather conditions. The routes include roundabouts, traffic lights, and junctions in both industrial and residential areas – all providing their own individual scenarios and challenges for the autonomous vehicles to demonstrate capability.

Launched in March 2019, the consortium project, part-funded by the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, is being led by Oxbotica, in collaboration with DG Cities, Immense, TRL, BSI, and Oxfordshire County Council. www.projectendeavour.uk

Amazon Location Service is now available

Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS has announced the general availability of Amazon Location Service, a new service that makes it easier and more cost-effective for customers to add location functionality to their applications without compromising on user privacy or data security.

With Amazon Location Service, customers can embed location functionality in their applications using data from location-based service (LBS) providers Esri and HERE https://aws.amazon.com