Val Miftakhov

Since the inception of Zoox, we've taken a different approach to autonomous ride-hail. It's a pleasure to talk to someone like Edward Ludlow who understands both the benefits of building a new type of vehicle and the time it takes to do it right. Thank you, Ed, for the great conversation. You can watch it below and read the article about his 5-mile autonomous ride with Jesse here: https://lnkd.in/gaj7ka-4. 💚 #ThisIsZoox

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Jaiwon Shin, president of Hyundai's Advanced Air Mobility division, says the automaker has plenty of strengths to make it a contender in the eVTOL space. SEOUL — If the field of electric vehicle hopefuls seems crowded on the ground, consider the fleet of players taxiing for takeoff in the emerging market for advanced air mobility. By some estimates, there are more than 250 companies worldwide jostling for space.  Some already have working prototypes. Some are aerospace giants with long histories in aviation. Some are virtual unknowns. Others are interlopers from outside industries. Hyundai Motor Group falls squarely in the interloper group. South Korea's largest auto manufacturer doesn't have a track record of making aircraft, let alone a flyable demo vehicle. But Hyundai brings plenty of strengths that will make it a contender, even if the company is late to the game, says Jaiwon Shin, head of the group's Advanced Air Mobility division. In a June 26 briefing at the division's headquarters here, Shin outlined new details of the rollout strategy, which will be spearheaded by the group's air mobility unit Supernal. Supernal's head office is in Washington, D.C., and its R&D and engineering hubs are in California. That's partly because Hyundai expects the U.S. to be the world's biggest market for the low-flying, battery-powered vertical takeoff or landing air taxis now generating so much buzz.  When Supernal commercializes its eight-rotor craft in 2028 or 2029, the U.S. will be the main focus.  But to get there, it has long to-do list, Shin concedes.  Rollout plan By the end of 2024, Supernal plans to fly its first full-scale demonstration vehicle.  That timetable puts Supernal in position to build and fly a prototype by the end of 2026. From 2027 to 2028, the company plans to build a fleet of 10 aircraft for flight and production certification. The goal is to win Federal Aviation Administration approval then. Shin is unperturbed by Hyundai's slow rollout while others rush ahead. In an era of jitters over quality at aviation stalwarts such as Boeing, Hyundai wants to ensure bulletproof safety. And the company wants to time the launch to capture more upcoming developments in battery technology. "This market will take off — pun intended," Shin said. "But we will not compromise safety to get to market first," he said. "We don't think the name of the game is getting to market first; the name of the game is getting to market at the right time."

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Earlier this week, I had the chance to talk about Tesla's recent pushback on their #robotaxi promises with San Francisco Examiner. While we have come a long way with #autonomousvehicles, yet there's still a long road ahead for many companies trying to deploy shared AVs. The suggestion of new #hardware specs, coupled with the lack of regulatory permits, highlight significant challenges to the "#software-based approach" to automated driving that #Tesla is employing--using primarily cameras for FSD. While their innovative approach and the mountains of driving data they have to work with are undeniable advantages, the regulatory and hardware hurdles can't be overlooked. The future of autonomous driving isn't just about software; #hardware advancements and #policy engagement are equally crucial. IMO there is enormous potential for Tesla to continue to lead transportation innovation, but they will need to address these regulatory and technical aspects head-on in order to make the vision of a privately owned #shared #fleet a reality... And an October timeline is a bit bullish too. https://lnkd.in/e4A7bAZF #Transportation #Innovation #FutureOfTransport #SelfDrivingCars University of San Francisco University of San Francisco School of Management University of San Francisco (USF) College of Arts and Sciences

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It's great to see automotive initiatives like the Vehicle Signal Specification (VSS) from the Connected Vehicle Systems Alliance (COVESA) , where "big" automotive companies are getting involved and working together. Initiatives like this are key to, not just enabling easier internal development, but also fully utilising third-party products in the industry and really showing how different software companies can add new dimensions to vehicles. 🚘 👨‍💻 Vehicle manufacturers can't handle everything on their own, and it's refreshing to see that many are starting to accept that they need to work with others. This openness is a positive step forward for the industry. 👏 👏 👏 Looking forward to see how it develops in near future. 🙌 #covesa #sdv #vehiclestandardization #connectedcar

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In April 2023, General Motors was the first #automaker to suggest it was ending plans to integrate Apple #Carplay into a portion of its new #EV model portfolio. The reaction, even to my post providing analysis of the development, was extreme. Lots of comments essentially from folk throwing their toys out the window. You can read that post here: https://lnkd.in/gbSFrZ6Q About a year later, and here is an interview with Mercedes-Benz AG #CEO Ola Kaellenius on Mercedes not using Apple’s next-gen CarPlay. Kaellenius is making the exact same argument as GM: It is the #automakers that in future will control the #immersive #user #experience in the vehicle, not Apple. We can already see what is happening. Software-defined vehicles #SDV, #cloud #compute, #5G #connectivity, massively powerful cockpit #SoCs, #GenAI all come together to completely redefine the user experience in the vehicle. The biggest trend in automotive isn't #selfdriving anything, but a complete reimagination of the human-vehicle interface #HVI in the #cockpit. In comes pillar-to-pillar displays like the #Hyperscreen, and 3D #AR #HUD that projects information directly in to the driver's eyeline. Sounds distracting right? Wrong, because high performance #driver #monitoring #systems #DMS from companies like Seeing Machines will integrate high fidelity #eyegaze tracking to measure the driver's #cognitive #distraction and engagement level. We will see the first example of this holistic cabin thinking utilizing high performance DMS from BMW Group in the 2025 #NeueKlasse platform, with a revolutionary new design concept developed in partnership with Critical TechWorks. Who is going to be the biggest winner here? That is Qualcomm, which is building an #ecosystem to enable the automakers to develop their own immersive user experience and cockpit #technology. Who is going to be the biggest loser here? That is Apple, which missed the threat from Qualcomm because it was too busy developing a self-driving car. Which tech companies are coming after automotive? Amazon. Baidu, Inc. Google. Xiaomi Technology. What do these companies all have in common? A shared goal to kick Apple CarPlay out of the car. Which automaker will pivot away from Apple next? We'll have to keep watching, but this trend is just starting, and the battle of the trillion dollar tech giants that lies ahead is going to be epic. https://lnkd.in/gqPZMEeY

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Californian drivers appear to be losing some enthusiasm for Tesla. A California Auto Outlook report shows year-over-year Tesla registrations are down again in the state. The report, published on Monday by the California New Car Dealers Association, summarizes first-quarter vehicle registration figures statewide. The report said Tesla saw a 7.8% dip in sales in California in the first quarter, down from 54,265 in the last quarter of 2023 to 50,025 in Q1. The drop follows last quarter's 9.8% decline. Read more in Business Insider https://lnkd.in/exaHWtm5

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Elektrek reports: "Tesla releases update to remove steering wheel nag, shuts down sunglasses loophole," with improved camera-based #driver #monitoring. We need to call this update for what it is. Tesla's improvements to its #DMS amount to no more than polishing a turd. Elektrek continues: "This enhancement is available on vehicles equipped with a #cabincamera and only when the cabin camera has clear and continuous visibility of the driver’s eyes (e.g. the camera is not occluded, there is sufficient cabin illumination, and the driver is looking forward at the road ahead and not wearing sunglasses, a hat with a low brim, or other objects covering the eyes). A DMS needs to work at all times and under all lighting conditions to effectively perform the supervisory role for #FSD and #Autopilot. To not work in low light, or simply if the driver is wearing sunglasses, means it works unless it doesn't. That amounts to a hardware defect which cannot be resolved with changes to the software. This is the game Tesla is currently playing with #NHTSA. Coming regulatory changes mean Tesla is out of time for its woeful DMS. Tesla DMS came last in a recent #IIHS #automation #safeguards ranking (Ford Motor Company's DMS was ranked first) but coming harmonization of regulatory requirements across the U.S., Europe, and China through the 5-star #NCAP test will force Tesla's hand regarding properly functioning DMS in the near term. At a minimum, Tesla needs to implement DMS with 940nm optical path, add “Owl & Lizard” movement detection, work properly with sunglasses, and provide measures of #distraction and #drowsiness. Euro NCAP - For Safer Cars, Vans & Trucks is set to announce its 2026 DMS test protocols later this year and could add metrics for #cognitivedistraction and #impaired driving. Ironically it is Tesla FSD/Autopilot crashes that provide regulators with the data of what functions a DMS performing a supervisory role for partial automation most need to fulfil. NHTSA issued an #ANPRM for impaired driving in November. It is likely to follow that up with clear rulemaking for minimum DMS performance requirements in the next 12 months. The industry should not expect those requirement to be lame. FMVSS 127 for AEB was a major #safety advance. #Automakers should prepare now for the same step-change for DMS in the U.S. too. The latest edition of Semicast's report "#ADAS & #Automotive Vision-based Driver Monitoring Systems" is published. Significant segmentation of the DMS/OMS market is provided. This is summarized as follows:   - by movement detection into "Owl-only" and "Owl & Lizard" detection - by feature set - by processor type - by CMOS image sensor location - by CMOS image sensor resolution - by driver and occupant monitoring - by front-seat and whole-cabin monitoring   Message me for a copy of the sales brochure for the study. My inbox is open. https://lnkd.in/eWNvfQSm

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🌟 Excited to Share Insights from my Interview at the Beijing Auto Show 2024! 🌟 I had the privilege to discuss with Gasgoo 盖世汽车 on the impact of the software-defined vehicle (SDV) trend on sales models and the market landscape. 🚗 **Key Highlights from the Interview:** - **Transformative Impact of SDV:** SDVs are redefining the core architecture of automotive sales models. By shifting focus from hardware to software, SDV not only enhances vehicle functionality but also becomes a pivotal value driver. - **ETAS's Strategic Sales Approaches:** To navigate this shift, we at ETAS focus on comprehensive software solutions, robust collaborations, and deep customer-centricity. These strategies are designed to effectively support our customers' transition towards SDV. - **Global Sales Performance:** ETAS has a strong growth in the SDV market, particularly in Germany, our leading market. Additionally, regions like the Americas, China, ASEAN, Europe, and India are pivotal to our expanding presence, reflecting our global strategy's success. - **The Role of 'Software Factory':** Our 'software factory' concept is revolutionizing how automotive software is developed and deployed, enabling faster innovation and enhanced delivery times. - **Future Outlook in China:** Looking ahead, the potential in the Chinese market is immense. Our local-for-local strategy coupled with support for Chinese OEMs going global underscores our commitment to fostering long-term partnerships and driving innovation in one of the world’s most dynamic automotive landscapes. 🔗 **Watch the Full Interview Here:** https://lnkd.in/exhRFbpb #ETAS #SoftwareDefinedVehicles #BeijingAutoShow2024 #AutomotiveInnovation #SDVTrend

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Really interesting article and how race cars can be used to further the development of autonomous vehicles!

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It’s a make or break moment in the autonomous space. At the ACT Expo in Las Vegas, Volvo just unveiled its autonomous truck, a project it’s working on with Aurora, the last autonomous trucking company in the game at the moment. Despite setbacks across the industry, Aurora remains undeterred. The Volvo truck will be deployed in the next few months, in autonomous mode, but with a safety driver. Aurora has plans to put human-less drivers on the road in Texas by next year. No word yet if Volvo’s truck will be involved in this. Either way, partnering with legacy automakers is a strategic move, especially during these fractious times. There’s still a lot of hesitancy around autonomous technology. Convincing everyday drivers that this technology safe and reliable might be the toughest step. Perhaps seeing a household name vouch for it could help. #volvo #aurora #AV #autonomousvehicles #selfdrivingtrucks #volvoselfdriving https://lnkd.in/eHFs55pt

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Even amid investigations and some hesitancy around robotaxis, Amazon’s Zoox is driving its autonomous cars forward — and will begin testing in two more major cities: Austin and Miami. This demonstrates the persistence of Zoox and a similar strategy we’re seeing across this space: continue safeguarded testing and collect invaluable information in real time. The design of the vehicles alone underscore this determination. The cars don’t have steering wheels or pedals. For now, the robotaxis will operate with human safety drivers. Miami and Austin present unique challenges in that they’re dense urban areas, but also offer up vast potential, given that they’re popular tourist destinations and travelers could eventually especially benefit from robotaxis. When will that become a reality though? Still no word on that. The company has acknowledged that it’s still very much in its research phase and “here to learn.” https://lnkd.in/eXWvaiFs #zoox #robotaxis #selfdrivingcars #AV #autonomousvehicles #miami #austin #amazonrobotaxis

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I had a Waymo ride last week, and it was an amazing experience. Having been involved in autonomous vehicles since 2008—earlier than most people—I’ve witnessed steady growth in autonomous technology over the years. Experiencing Waymo was surreal, reinforcing my belief that there’s no turning back; we will get there eventually. I’ve also used Tesla FSD since 2017, and the progress there is steadily improving, providing an amazing user experience. At SafeAI, Inc., we are working hard to make heavy industry autonomous, which in turn will make work sites safer and over 25% more productive. Our own technology is now feature complete, production ready and on-track to ramp up. Much of our progress is due to the significant advancements (innovation and financial) made by Waymo, Tesla and others in the on-road AV space, and our ability to leverage and apply those advancements to our own off-road applications. You can see a glimpse of our autonomous solution in action in the second half of this video. I continue to be encouraged by the progress being made with on-road and passenger AV vehicles and the positive innovation impact it is driving for off-road AVs.

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How will the expansion of robotaxis impact public safety and local control in California? The California Public Utilities Commission has approved the expansion of Waymo's autonomous vehicle service into the peninsula and Los Angeles, despite strong opposition from local officials and safety advocates. This decision, amidst ongoing legal disputes and regulatory debates, marks a significant development in the AV industry. Dive into the full story and its potential implications. #Robotaxis #PublicSafety #Waymo #AVIndustry

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The more the merrier. BYD set a new sales record for June, for Q2 and for the first half of the year. We already have strong indication that Tesla sales will be down. The question is just: Did BYD grow BEV sales enough to beat the struggling Tesla sales? We will know tomorrow (if Tesla follows the usual pattern of disclosing quarterly sales on the second day of the next month). But what are the reasons for the very different recent developments of the 2 EV juggernauts? Here is my list: -BYD is lowering prices as agressively as Tesla, but maintaining their profit margins. - BYD has a way wider offering. Various models for almost every taste and life situation. - BYD is way more vertically integrated. They even have their own lithium mines. This will be a big advantage in the long run. And this is the reason why those „employees per car sold“ comparisons are totally bogus. What do you think? Please leave a comment below….

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Congrats Applied Intuition on another succesful Nexus conference - where autonomy meets defense! We discussed China threat (their automotive OEMs are very advanced in autonomy), investment in defensetech and role hype/bubbles play in innovation, role organizations like Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and CDAO play, generative AI and LLMs, and most importantly how to bring technology into the DoD: not just at R&D scale, and not just at test and evaluation scale, but at true operational scale.

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Why do we trust self-driving cars less, even when they're safer than human-driven cars? The answer lies in our psychological biases. Three key factors contribute to our distrust of autonomous vehicles: 1/ Algorithm aversion:  We tend to exhibit aversion towards decisions made by algorithms or automated systems, even when they outperform humans. This desire for control and understanding of the decision-making process fuels our skepticism. 2/ Illusion of superiority: We often overestimate our own abilities, leading to an "illusion of superiority". This bias makes us believe we're better drivers than average, and thus less willing to accept an autonomous system that may be safer but perceived as inferior to our own driving skills. 3/ Lack of trust and anxiety: Unfamiliarity with the technology, lack of control, and fear of system failures breed a lack of trust in self-driving cars. It's a paradox – our biases cause us to distrust a technology that could potentially save lives. As self-driving cars become more prevalent, addressing these psychological factors will be crucial in gaining public trust and acceptance. Personally, I can't wait to see Waymo's self-driving cars replacing bad drivers! But be honest, do you trust self-driving cars more or less than human-operated ones? — Hi 👋 if we haven't met, I'm McKenzie Lloyd-Smith, Ph.D. I work at the intersection of human behavior and tech innovation. Interesting in learning more about Al? 💭 Check out my list of the 100+ best free resources for learning about Al in 2024. I personally try every resource before adding it to the list, so I know they're good https://lnkd.in/gPDtWQFn

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Today, we published our annual ESG Report. Flip to page 25 to read all about the Prologis Mobility team’s progress in 2023, including 2 million miles of EV truck travel and charging 1/5 of all Class 8 EV trucks in California. I am so happy and fortunate to work at a company where sustainability is in our core DNA.   I’m especially excited to highlight our 2030 goal: achieving 900 MW of EV charging capacity across a portfolio of hubs, depots and workplace charging locations. Contextually, that big Denker project I shared last week had 9MW of EV charging capacity. It might sound like a nearly impossible goal, but you would be surprised by how many customers are looking to transition their fleets – and our team has the drive to make it happen.    Read the ESG Report: https://prolo.gs/45ctXmF #ESGReport #electrification #EVCharging

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