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18 Dec 2024
Investment in historic photonics development location to support testing of 'FirstLight' sensing system.
Aurora Innovation, the Nasdaq-listed company developing a lidar-based driving system aimed at applications in autonomous trucking, has opened a new research and test facility in Bozeman, Montana.
Located at Montana State University’s Innovation Campus - historically a center of excellence for photonics engineering - the 78,000 square-foot site is intended to support the development of Aurora’s “FirstLight” technology.
Bozeman is also where that technology originated, in the form of the startup company Blackmore Sensors and Analytics, which Aurora acquired in 2019 following significant venture investment from Amazon and others.
FMCW approach
FirstLight uses frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) lidar, a chip-scale form of the technology that can sense both the position and velocity of moving objects at long ranges.
Aurora combines FirstLight with high-resolution cameras and imaging radar within its “Aurora Driver” system, so that it can cope with challenging lighting situations, for example when faced with glare from headlamps or the sun, and entering and exiting tunnels.
The company says that its new state-of-the-art space in Bozeman includes advanced research and development labs, a “world-class” manufacturing area with a cleanroom, a garage for vehicle testing, and modern office and collaboration spaces for a growing team.
Aurora CEO Chris Urmson, who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside local dignitaries, added: “From early on, we knew Montana’s photonics leadership would be invaluable for bringing safe, scalable self-driving technology to the world.
“Our new Bozeman office deepens our commitment to the region and strengthens our ability to expand our fleet of autonomous trucks.”
Currently being tested on public roads in Texas, the Aurora Driver system is expected by the company to begin commercial operations next April.
Volvo and DHL are among the major names involved in that effort, with their subsidiaries Volvo Autonomous Solutions and DHL Supply Chain adopting Aurora Driver to carry freight from Dallas to Houston, and from Fort Worth to El Paso.
“The start of operations marks a critical phase in validating the full ecosystem required for autonomous transport at scale,” announced the two firms earlier this month. “At this stage, a safety driver will be present to monitor performance and ensure seamless integration into existing logistic networks.”
System redundancy
Volvo adds that, in keeping with the company’s long-standing association with road safety, its “VNL Autonomous” system - which is powered by Aurora Driver - has been designed from the ground up, with built-in redundancy for critical systems.
“In autonomous trucks, redundancy replaces the backup provided by a human driver with systems that can automatically take control in the rare case of primary systems encountering an issue, ensuring safe operations,” it says.
“This safety approach is further strengthened by Volvo's close partnership with Aurora, whose sophisticated and robust technology enables the Volvo VNL Autonomous to safely navigate the world around it.
“The Aurora Driver is equipped with powerful sensors, including high-resolution cameras, imaging radar, and proprietary long-range lidar that allow for safe autonomous operations at highway speeds.”
Volvo and DHL suggest that autonomy is set to revolutionize the transport industry by lowering operational costs, increasing efficiency, and enhancing safety.
“With 24/7 capabilities, autonomous transport can accelerate delivery times and optimize supply chains, promoting a more resilient transport network,” they said, with Jim Monkmeyer, DHL Supply Chain’s president of transportation for North America, adding:
“Autonomous trucks can also offer drivers new opportunities, such as remote monitoring and management of fleets while also addressing ongoing labor challenges.
“Additionally, autonomous trucks can reduce the physical and mental strain on drivers, leading to improved quality of life and increased job satisfaction.”
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