Tag Archives: autonomous vehicle

The Versatility of Zadar Labs’ Radar Tech: From Drones to Smart TVs

February 5, 2025Auto, CES 2025, Gadgets, Securityautonomous vehicle, ces2025, gadgets, security, smart device, smarthomePLUGHITZ Live

In an era where smart technology is rapidly evolving, the integration of imaging radar systems presents a significant leap forward in the capabilities of various devices. The discussion with David Wu sheds light on the remarkable advancements made by Zadar Labs in the realm of imaging radar technology. This innovative approach utilizes radio waves to create high-resolution images of the environment, allowing for enhanced perception and interaction with the surroundings, which is crucial for the development of smarter, more autonomous systems.

Imaging Radar Enhances Smart Technology

Imaging radar operates fundamentally differently than traditional visual sensors such as cameras. While cameras provide a two-dimensional view of the environment, imaging radar offers a three-dimensional perspective, capturing the shape, position, and movement of objects within a specified range. This ability to scan the full area and provide depth perception makes imaging radar an ideal choice for various applications, particularly those involving robotics and automation. The technology is well-suited for automated tractors, drone navigation, and even home security systems, where conventional cameras may fall short due to limitations such as poor lighting or adverse weather conditions.

Zadar Technology is Versitile

One of the most compelling advantages of Zadar Labs’ imaging radar is its robustness in diverse environments. Unlike cameras that can struggle to detect objects in low light or inclement weather, imaging radar can function effectively in such conditions. This capability is particularly beneficial for home security applications, where the radar can monitor the perimeter of a house, detecting movement up to 1,000 meters away, regardless of whether it is raining or dark outside. This level of sensitivity and reliability enhances the safety and security of residential areas, providing homeowners with peace of mind.

Moreover, the integration of imaging radar into consumer products is poised to revolutionize everyday technology. There are potential applications in smart TVs, where radar could be embedded within the device to personalize audio experiences based on the viewer’s location. By detecting where individuals are sitting, the TV could direct sound to specific areas, creating a more immersive audio experience. This personalization extends beyond audio; imaging radar can also enhance video quality by adjusting lighting and contrast based on the viewer’s position. Such innovations illustrate how imaging radar can transform passive devices into intelligent systems that actively respond to user needs.

The flexibility of imaging radar technology allows it to be utilized in both indoor and outdoor settings, making it a versatile tool for various industries. Whether it is integrated into consumer electronics, automotive systems, or industrial applications, the potential for imaging radar to enhance smart technology is vast. The ability to provide detailed information about the environment while preserving user privacy is another significant benefit. For instance, while the radar can determine how many people are in a room and their movement patterns, it does not compromise individual privacy by revealing personal details. This balance between functionality and privacy is essential in today’s tech landscape, where consumer concerns about data security are paramount.

Conclusion: Enhanced Safety and Personalization and Increased Privacy

In conclusion, Zadar Labs’ imaging radar represents a transformative advancement in smart technology, offering unparalleled depth perception and environmental awareness. This technology not only enhances the functionality of various devices but also enables new applications that were previously unimaginable. By integrating imaging radar into everyday products, we are moving towards a future where technology is not only smarter but also more intuitive and responsive to our needs. The ongoing development and adoption of imaging radar will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of smart technology, making our lives easier, safer, and more connected.

Interview by Don Baine, The Gadget Professor.

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grivix is Revolutionizing Heavy-Duty Vehicle Charging @ CES 2024

January 30, 2024Auto, CES 2024autonomous vehicle, ces2024, electric, Electric Vehicle, gadgets, vehiclePLUGHITZ Live

grivix heavy vehicle charging Fast charging for heavy-duty vehicles is a revolutionary concept that aims to address the challenges faced by industries such as mining, ports, and long-haul transportation. Marc-Andre Beck, the CEO and founder of grivix, discusses the need for fast charging solutions for heavy-duty vehicles and introduces their innovative technology.

Fast charging for heavy-duty vehicles

Currently, heavy-duty vehicles like big caterpillars in mines or vehicles in ports are not electrified. Even if they are electrified, the existing infrastructure takes a significant amount of time to charge them. However, in industries that operate 24/7, such as mines and ports, vehicles need to be charged quickly, within minutes, to ensure uninterrupted operations. This is where grivix comes in with their fast charging solution.

grivix has developed a charging system that can charge heavy-duty vehicles at a speed of up to 6 MW, which is double the speed of filling gasoline into a vehicle. This is more than 10 times faster than Tesla’s supercharger. The charging process is fully automated, with the vehicle being guided to the charging spot with a precision of 50 centimeters based on ultrawideband technology. Once the vehicle is in position, the system disables the drivetrain, and the connector is automatically recognized and plugged in. The system can deliver up to 4,000 amps, enabling even the charging of large 250-ton caterpillars in a few minutes.

The autonomous aspect of grivix’s technology is a significant feature. The charging system utilizes ultrawideband technology to guide the vehicle to the charging spot with a precision of 15 centimeters. This technology allows for autonomous charging, but it also integrates with the vehicle’s display system, enabling manual control if required.

Immense speed without battery damage

One of the key questions is how fast charging can be achieved without damaging the battery. Beck explains that the technology is compatible with lithium titanate batteries, which are capable of being charged at 10C. The difference in battery chemistry allows for the incredible speed without damaging the batteries. If you were to try the same thing with a standard lithium-ion battery, it would destroy the chemicals and potentially create a fire.

For regular lithium batteries, the maximum charging speed is 3C, which translates to about 20 minutes for a typical 20 to 80% charge. However, sophisticated cooling systems are required to prevent overheating during the charging process. These batteries are expensive but allow for rapid charging, making them an acceptable expense for industries that need to prioritize speed over cost.

Who is grivix designed for?

The target demographic for grivix’s fast charging solution is industries that rely on heavy-duty vehicles for their operations. Mining companies, ports, and long-haul transportation companies are among the potential customers who can benefit from this technology. The ability to charge heavy-duty vehicles quickly and efficiently will significantly reduce downtime and increase productivity in these industries.

While grivix is currently in the proof of concept phase, they plan to roll out their charging stations in controlled environments such as mines and ports in the coming months. Regulatory considerations may delay their deployment in public areas. However, the company aims to ramp up production and make their fast charging technology more widely available by the end of the year.

Conclusion: Ultra-fast charging for a focused market

In conclusion, fast charging for heavy-duty vehicles is a game-changing technology that addresses the need for rapid charging in industries that operate 24/7. grivix‘s innovative solution offers charging speeds of up to 6 MW, fully automated charging processes, and integration with autonomous and manual control systems. While still in the proof of concept phase, grivix aims to roll out their charging stations in controlled environments and eventually make its technology more widely available. This advancement in fast charging technology has the potential to revolutionize heavy-duty industries and accelerate the adoption of electric mobility.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Supraways’ vision for urban transport: Autonomous pods @ CES 2024

January 23, 2024Auto, CES 2024, Travelautonomous vehicle, ces2024, connected city, gadgets, transportation, travelPLUGHITZ Live

Supraways urban transportation pods Supraways is an eight-year-old startup based in Lyon, France, that is revolutionizing urban transit with autonomous cars. The company has developed a system of autonomous cars that can carry up to seven passengers and are suspended on beams along highways and airports. This system aims to address the issue of traffic congestion and provide a more efficient and on-demand mode of transportation.

Revolutionizing urban transit with autonomous cars

The autonomous cars developed by Supraways are not only automated but also equipped with embedded electronic and robotic systems. One of their key innovations is an embedded switch system, which allows the cars to move left and right while the beams remain passive. This eliminates the need for maintenance on the beams, making the system more cost-effective and efficient.

Supraways envisions a network of interconnected loops, where all the stations are offline, similar to a highway system. This means that passengers can travel from one point to another without any stops, resulting in faster and more efficient journeys. The system operates 24 hours a day, and passengers can simply use an app to request a ride to their desired destination. The cars communicate with each other, the infrastructure, and the stations, ensuring smooth and coordinated operations.

A flexible choice for cities

One of the key advantages of Supraways’ system is its flexibility. When there are no passengers, the cars can be utilized for freight transportation or other purposes, such as transporting goods or deploying small robots within the city. This flexibility allows for optimal utilization of resources and ensures that the system is not idle during non-peak hours.

The revolutionizing potential of Supraways’ autonomous car system lies in its ability to transform urban transit by providing a more efficient, on-demand, and flexible mode of transportation. By utilizing autonomous cars that can communicate with each other and the infrastructure, the system ensures smooth and coordinated operations. With the ability to transport passengers and goods, the system offers a holistic approach to urban mobility.

Las Vegas is an ideal partner

Las Vegas is seen as an ideal test site for Supraways’ system due to its compact size and high population density. The system’s ability to transport a large number of people quickly and efficiently makes it a perfect fit for cities with a significant number of tourists and residents. By integrating Supraways’ autonomous cars into the existing transportation infrastructure, cities like Las Vegas can enhance their mobility options and alleviate traffic congestion.

Conclusion

While the system is still under development, Supraways is building the first K1 model near Lyon, France. They are also working on a proof of concept inside their factory, where they are developing the communication system and artificial intelligence that will govern the cars’ operations. The company aims to have the system up and running within the next six months and is actively seeking partnerships and collaborations, including with cities like Las Vegas.

In conclusion, Supraways’ autonomous car system has the potential to revolutionize urban transit by addressing the challenges of traffic congestion and providing a more efficient and flexible mode of transportation. With its innovative features and ability to seamlessly integrate into existing infrastructure, the system offers a promising solution for cities seeking to enhance their mobility options. As Supraways continues to develop and expand its system, it will be interesting to see how it transforms urban transportation in the years to come.

Interview by Don Baine, The Gadget Professor.

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Mobix Labs: Improving 5G millimeter band technology @ CES 2022

January 15, 2022CES 2022, Mobile5g, automobile, autonomous vehicle, ces2022, gadgets, lte, mobile, vehiclePLUGHITZ Live

Mobix Labs 5G millimeter band technology Mobix Labs is a fabless semiconductor company focused on developing highly innovative RF and mixed-signal components and solutions for 5G millimeter band technology. Led by a team of highly experienced and accomplished industry executives, Mobix Labs is establishing itself as the go-to leader of RF, mixed-signal, antenna components, and solutions for the sub-GHz 5GNR market and beyond.

What does Mobix Labs do?

Their comprehensive product offerings include mmWave 5G ICs, modules, and antennas. They are designed to make it easier for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to develop products with best-in-class performance. With over two decades of experience in the wireless industry, Mobix Labs has the knowledge and expertise to help OEMs bring their next-generation products to market quickly and efficiently.

5G millimeter band technology is the next big thing in wireless communications. Mobix Labs is leading the charge in developing innovative products and solutions for this growing market. Their comprehensive product offerings include mmWave 5G ICs, modules, and antennas that are designed to make it easier for OEMs to develop products with best-in-class performance.

The True 5G Solutions from Mobix Labs are essential to unlocking the unprecedented levels of performance and speed promised by 5G. With its advanced research and development capabilities, Mobix Labs is well-positioned to provide leadership in this important technological area.

Where can the technology be used?

Currently, the company is focused on the infrastructure market. That means that the chips are intended to be used in the technology that makes it possible for you to get 5G signals. This includes the cellular towers installed by the carriers, repeaters installed by carriers, and small repeaters installed by businesses and individuals.

This focus means that you could be interacting with the company’s technology every day without even knowing it. This is because these chips and radios are responsible for the high-end 5G signal strength available on your phone. Their chips could be at the tops of tall cellular towers, but it could also be built into smaller form devices, like the cellular repeaters that many cities are having installed on the tops of telephone poles around town to enhance cellular reception.

The need for this much infrastructure is because of the nature of the frequencies used for mmWave 5G. The higher frequency used makes it possible for incredibly fast internet speeds, but is more susceptible to interference from everyday items, like walls. Our tests show about 8x speed in our offices over standard 5G on the same device. But these increased speeds are limited to Mission Control and are not available in the studio – likely because of the thicker walls, additional lights, and equipment.

However, this focus on infrastructure does not negate the technology’s other uses. In fact, the company has been in discussions about other implementations, including vehicles. Cars and trucks are more regularly using 5G technology for communication, both to the internet, as well as direct communication between one another. This allows for software updates to the vehicle’s systems, as well as the ability for it to know about what other cars and trucks around it are intending to do.

To learn more about Mobix Labs and their 5G mmWave technology, visit the company’s website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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RoboSense solid-state LiDAR drives next-gen autonomous cars @ CES 2021

March 3, 2021Auto, CES 2021autonomous vehicle, ces2021, gadgets, LiDAR, sensorsPLUGHITZ Live

RoboSense solid-state LiDAR Cassie Gong, Overseas PR Manager for RoboSense, was at CES 2021 to share the company’s latest developments in LiDAR technology.

Founded in 2014, RoboSense (Suteng Innovation Technology Co., Ltd.) is the leading provider of Smart LiDAR Sensor Systems. The systems incorporate LiDAR sensors, AI algorithms, and IC chipsets that transform conventional 3D LiDAR sensors into full data analysis and comprehension systems. The company’s mission is to develop outstanding hardware and artificial intelligence capabilities to provide smart solutions that enable robots (including vehicles) to have superior perception capabilities.

The RoboSense product line includes various Smart LiDAR perception system solutions, including the MEMS and Mechanical types LiDAR HWs, fusion HW unit, and AI-based fusion systems. At CES, the company announced the SOP version of their automotive grade high-performance solid-state LiDAR, which is also the world’s first mass-production ready solid-state automotive LiDAR. The solid-state system, says Gong, serves the critical automotive industry need to achieve large-scale commercialization of autonomous vehicles with a new generation of high precision 3D environmental sensing.

The high resolution, high reliability, and low cost of the system make it attractive to the automotive industry, as does the fact that MEMS technology has been long used by companies like Texas Instruments for a long time, making it a mature technology in terms of therefore it is very mature in terms of production, cost, and performance

RoboSense technology has earned the AutoSens Award, Audi Innovation Lab Champion, and the CES Innovation Award twice. To date, RoboSense LiDAR systems have been widely applied to autonomous driving passenger cars, RoboTaxi, RoboTruck, RoboBus, automated logistics vehicles, and intelligent road by domestic and international autonomous driving technology companies, OEMs, and Tier1 suppliers.

The company expects to be able to get the cost of their solid-state LiDAR system to $700-$800 per unit, with the goal of getting it in every autonomous vehicle in the near future, to provide a safe and reliable drive. To learn more about the technology, head to the RoboSense website.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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Actasys gives your vehicle and its sensors 20/20 vision @ CES 2021

January 26, 2021Auto, CES 2021autonomous vehicle, ces2021, gadgets, robotics, sensorsPLUGHITZ Live

ActaJet by Actasys Vehicles these days are extremely sophisticated with intricate computer systems. They have many sensors used for everything from outside temperature to automated braking. Because these sensors are generally exposed to the elements, they eventually need to be cleaned. Unfortunately, many are too sensitive to come in contact with, while others are not easily accessible. Even worse, what happens if they get dirty while you’re on the road? Actasys has developed a technology to autonomously keep the sensors clean and functioning.

The company’s technology, which is called ActaJet, is a unique sensor cleaning system. It uses small focused jets of air to keep the lenses and covers clear of dirt and debris. This is done by a series of small actuators, which means there is no need for fans, pumps, or compressors. This ensures optimal operation of the sensors and cameras in all environments and weather conditions.

Imagine driving down the interstate following a large truck. The truck hits a puddle, spraying mud and water all over your car. You can clean your windshield with the wipers so you can see again, but your car doesn’t have the same ability. Suddenly your automatic braking system, lane guidance, and tailgating alarm stop working. That’s why ActaJet was created.

Actasys focuses its attention on working with the sensor builders and OEMs, meaning that the vehicle manufacturers don’t have to do anything special to incorporate the technology. Because ActaJet is designed in a cartridge, all that is need is a single power wire instead of tubes or valves. The ease of implementation is a core aspect for wider adoption. Being an electronic device, one of the concerns is always power consumption. The system draws less than 10 watts of power and as low as one. This reduces the potential drain on the battery.

For more information go to the website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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