September 2003
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September 2003 |
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TRW CONEKT Launches New AutoTaxi
Website TRW Conekt has launched a new website for their AutoTaxi project, which uses novel data fusion techniques to support short headway operations for the 2nd generation of the ULTra driverless personal rapid transit system. |
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The AutoTaxi system is being developed on the innovative transportation system ULTra, which addresses urban transportation through the use of autonomous lightweight vehicles operating on a segregated track and is being developed for initial implementation in Cardiff, Wales, U.K. An innovative sensing system will be developed for the project, to provide robust detection of the vehicles’ environment by combining information from different sensing technologies using novel data fusion techniques. The goal is to create a prototype of a cost-effective sensing suite that can be developed for the second generation of ULTra. With this sensing suite, vehicles will be able to safely travel closely together leading to greater passenger throughput. (See the IVSource archives for previous articles on AutoTaxi and ULTra.) Dr Alastair Buchanan, Portfolio Manager for TRW Conekt and Project Coordinator for AutoTaxi, said: “The problem of urban transport has long been in need of re-evaluation as we move forward into the 21st Century, and there is a great need for new technology to address transportation problems we currently face such as traffic congestion. The AutoTaxi project will provide important new enabling technologies leading to increased safety and performance, being applicable to both passenger vehicles and new transport systems. "For instance, the sensors are being developed to operate in all environmental conditions, while the approach to sensor fusion targets safety critical applications that will appear on new vehicles in the near future. TRW Conekt have for many years been involved in research and development of sensors such as video and radar which are now appearing on the market in passenger vehicle applications. The purpose of the AutoTaxi project is to develop the next generation of these sensors." According to a project press release, the partners bring to the project in-depth knowledge in the critical areas of transportation systems, advanced sensing systems, and safety engineering. ATS have expertise in the field of urban people-moving transport, culminating in the ULTra project that has successfully demonstrated an innovative urban transport system in Cardiff. Praxis Critical Systems has built its reputation on the development of high integrity and safety-critical systems for use in the transport and defense sectors. TRW is a world leader in automotive safety systems and advanced sensors and has recently launched systems as sophisticated as Adaptive Cruise Control and Electric Power Steering onto the market. Bristol University has applied
experience of data fusion health monitoring techniques used in aerospace
systems, and the University of Warwick brings its extensive experience in image
processing and three-dimensional computer vision. Regular updates on the AutoTaxi project can be found on the Internet at www.auto-taxi.co.uk. TRW Conekt is the consultancy arm of TRW and brings together key services in engineering, knowledge and technology. TRW Conekt has operated in the automotive, aerospace, professional and industrial sectors for almost 40 years, which they see as providing a competitive advantage through the generation of new ideas and the application of science and technology in product development and manufacturing. TRW Conekt News is available on the Internet at www.trwauto.com/conekt. [Top] ... contact
Alistair Buchanan at alastair.buchanan@trw.com.
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Copyright 2003: IVsource.net and Richard Bishop Consulting (RBC). All Rights Reserved. |
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September 2003 |