Latest news with #LiDAR
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ford CEO Jim Farley says Waymo's approach to self-driving makes more sense than Tesla's
Ford CEO Jim Farley expressed skepticism about the technological approach to self-driving cars being pursued by Tesla, citing consumer 'trust' and the need to 'be really careful' as reasons why Ford sees more potential in systems based on laser sensors like those in Waymo vehicles. The comments are the latest indication of the auto industry's resistance to Tesla CEO Elon Musk's vision of less expensive self-driving vehicles that use only video cameras and artificial intelligence — a bet Musk believes will ultimately pay off and prompt other automakers to license Tesla's technology. But Ford, the number three automaker in the U.S., which plans to work with partners to incorporate self-driving technology into its future vehicles, does not seem likely to license Tesla's tech anytime soon, based on Farley's comments on Friday. 'When you have a brand like Ford, when there's a new technology, you have to be really careful,' Farley said at the Aspen Ideas Festival on Friday. 'We really believe that LiDAR is mission critical,' Farley said, referring to the laser sensors used by companies like Waymo. Farley was being interviewed by Walter Isaacson, who published a biography on Elon Musk in 2023. When their conversation turned to autonomy, Isaacson asked Farley to compare both Waymo and Tesla's systems, and he asked which approach made more sense. 'To us, Waymo,' Farley said. He pointed out that both Waymo, owned by Google-parent Alphabet, and Tesla 'have made a lot of progress' on self-driving, and Farley acknowledged that he has had conversations with Elon Musk. But he stated that Ford considered LiDAR to be an important part of the picture, noting that 'where the camera will be completely blinded, the LiDAR system will see exactly what's in front of you.' Tesla, which recently launched its robotaxi service in Austin—with safety riders in the front seat—has famously taken a 'camera-only' approach to its autonomous technology, meaning that it doesn't use radar or LiDAR technology to 'see' the environment around the car. This approach has drawn scrutiny across the industry from people who question whether it is as safe without the redundancies, even as Musk argues that it's more economical and performs just as well 'The issue with Waymo's cars is it costs way more money,' Musk said during Tesla's quarterly earnings call in April. 'The car is very expensive, made in low volume. Teslas probably cost 25% or 20% of what a Waymo costs and made in very high volume.' Ford has said it plans to partner with a self-driving software company once the technology is farther along. While the company had spent $1 billion pursuing its own joint venture with Volkswagen, called Argo AI, Ford stopped funding the effort in 2022 and decided to pursue a partnership model. In the meantime, the company has shifted attention to its 'BlueCruise' technology, a so-called Level 2 self-driving system that allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel on the highway but requires full attention. Ford is still working on developing a more advanced system, which will allow drivers to not pay attention during certain times on the highway—but it has said it no longer has intentions to build a fully autonomous, Level 4 system, only plans to partner with other companies who have. 'We decided, as a company, that a cooler problem than full autonomy in an urban setting was high speed, eyes off. Push a button and read a book in your car,' Farley said. This story was originally featured on
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Novel rail runs through it: Bastar chugs closer to getting new line of connectivity
Raipur: In a step aiming for more development and connectivity in Bastar, the final location survey (FLS) of a proposed 160.33-kilometre-long railway line from Kothagudem in Telangana to Kirandul in Chhattisgarh has entered its concluding phase, following the Union govt's recent approval. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A major portion of the railway line, approximately 138.51 kilometres, will pass through the Naxal-affected districts of Sukma, Dantewada, and Bijapur in southern Chhattisgarh, and they are areas that have remained disconnected from the national railway grid for decades. The new railway corridor is poised not only to simplify transportation but also to bring about transformative socio-economic development in the region, a state govt officer said. The is conducting the survey using advanced LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology, which offers precision mapping of the terrain. The project is being closely monitored by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India, considering its strategic importance for both internal security and regional development. Chhattisgarh has extended active support and coordination, that played a key role in accelerating the survey work. "This is not just a railway project, it is the laying of tracks for hope, development, and trust within Bastar. The Kothagudem–Kirandul rail line will open doors to socio-economic transformation for Sukma, Dantewada, and Bijapur, where rail connectivity has been a long-cherished dream," said chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai on the project.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Must-Watch EV and AV Stocks to Supercharge Your Portfolio
An updated edition of the May 13, 2025 article. Electric and autonomous vehicles are no longer just the future—they're quickly becoming the present. Per BloombergNEF, global electric vehicle (EV) sales are expected to hit nearly 22 million this year, a sharp 25% jump from last year. One in every four cars sold this year will be either fully electric or a plug-in hybrid. And a big part of this boom is happening in China, which is expected to account for nearly two-thirds of all EV sales. Europe and the United States are also playing catch-up, with a growing number of affordable models being rolled out and battery prices continuing to fall. Not too long ago, when people talked about EVs, Tesla TSLA was the only name that came to mind. It was the clear leader, making EVs cool, functional and mainstream. But the landscape is changing fast. Legacy automakers like General Motors GM are now pushing hard into the EV space. Startups like Lucid Group LCID are attracting attention with fresh designs and new tech. And Chinese companies like BYD Co Ltd BYDDY are charging ahead with big product lineups and global ambitions. Climate concerns, stricter emission standards and big improvements in battery range and charging speeds are making EVs more practical—and more popular. Meanwhile, the autonomous vehicle (AV) market is also shifting gears. Future Market Insights projects that the AV market will grow from about $36 billion in 2025 to more than $83 billion by 2035. That's an 8.7% CAGR, driven by smarter sensors, better connectivity and rising demand for safer, self-driving transport. AV tech is maturing fast, and the companies leading the charge in software, chips, and robotics are worth watching. Whether you're excited about the rise of cleaner, greener cars—or the possibility of never having to drive one again—this space is full of innovation. And for investors, it might just be one of the most electrifying corners of the market to explore right now. Our Electric Vehicles & Autonomous Driving Screen will help you spot high-potential stocks in this space. Interested investors should add Luminar Technologies LAZR, Li Auto LI and Rivian Automotive RIVN to their watchlist. Luminar is a name to watch in the AV space. The company focuses on LiDAR technology—laser-based sensors that help vehicles 'see' their surroundings—and it's making bold moves to stay ahead of the curve. Luminar is now shifting from its older Iris system to a more advanced, unified platform called Halo. This new system promises faster deployment, lower development costs, and better scalability, making it more attractive to automakers. In fact, several OEMs are already testing Halo prototypes, with a full launch expected by late 2026 or early 2027. This pivot could be a game-changer. If Luminar can successfully ramp up Halo production, it stands to become a major supplier for both advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving tech. The company's LiDAR is already featured on the Volvo EX90 and will soon appear on the Volvo ES90, making it the only high-performance LiDAR system offered as standard equipment on global production vehicles. Luminar isn't stopping at passenger cars. It's expanding into industrial markets through a partnership with Caterpillar. Its sensors will be used in off-highway trucks operating in tough environments like quarries, helping to prove the technology's durability and flexibility. Financially, Luminar has also taken steps to strengthen its position. Last month, it repurchased $50 million of its 2026 convertible notes and secured a $200 million credit facility, giving it roughly $400 million in liquidity and extending its financial runway through at least 2026. With strong partnerships, a next-gen product on the horizon and improved financial stability, Luminar is shaping up as a serious contender in the AV tech space. LAZR stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Li Auto is carving out a unique space in China's electric vehicle market by doing things a little differently. While most EV makers jumped straight into fully electric models, Li Auto gained traction with its extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs)—a smart blend of battery power and fuel-based backup. This hybrid setup gave drivers the benefits of an EV, without the range anxiety. And it worked. Each of its L-series models—L6, L7, L8, and L9—has sold over 200,000 units, proving strong demand. Now, Li Auto is going full throttle into pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs). It launched its first BEV, the MEGA, last year and has several more lined up, including Li i8 in July and i6 in September. With this, the company is clearly expanding its reach and aiming for a larger slice of China's fast-growing EV market. Growth is happening on all fronts. By the end of 2024, Li Auto had over 500 retail stores and nearly 500 service centers across China. It has built more than 2,200 supercharging stations, with a bold goal of hitting 4,000 by the end of 2025. International expansion is underway too, with new service centers in places like Dubai and Uzbekistan, and an R&D center in Munich. Li Auto is also stepping up in autonomous driving. Its Li AD Max and Pro systems are already handling highway and city navigation, powered by NVIDIA's cutting-edge chips. It's even training artificial intelligence models on 10 million video clips—more than any other Chinese automaker— which puts it ahead in the race of self-driving tech. Looking ahead, Li Auto has big ambitions. It plans to become a leading AI and robotics company by 2030, with potential plans to build humanoid robots once it nails level-4 autonomous driving. LI currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Rivian first made waves with its high-end R1T pickup and R1S SUV, targeting adventure-loving drivers willing to pay a premium. But now, Rivian is preparing to reach a much larger audience with its upcoming R2 — a more affordable electric SUV priced around $45,000. Launching in 2026, the R2 represents a major step forward for the company. The R2 will be built on a next-generation platform designed to lower Rivian's fixed costs, improve manufacturing speed, and boost margins. In the first quarter of 2025, Rivian posted a positive gross margin for the second time, an important milestone that unlocked a $1 billion investment from Volkswagen under their newly formed joint venture. Volkswagen's commitment to Rivian could be a game-changer. The German auto giant plans to invest up to $5.8 billion by 2027. The partnership focuses on co-developing Rivian's next-gen software and electrical architecture, starting with the R2. This collaboration will help speed up development while giving Rivian the scale and support needed to compete with bigger players. Rivian's strategic focus on technology is also paying off. Rivian has rolled out hands-free, eyes-on highway driving in its latest vehicles, marking the beginning of its autonomy push. It aims to move toward full hands-free, eyes-off driving and urban autonomy, enhancing its product appeal. Operationally, Rivian is also tightening the bolts. Engineering improvements, supply chain fixes, and lower input costs are helping the company reduce losses, a promising sign as it works toward profitability. Rivian is expanding its Illinois facility and building a dedicated 1.2 million square foot Supplier Park nearby, which will help reduce production costs further. The company is also preparing to break ground on its Georgia plant in 2026 and expects to add 400,000 units of annual capacity for R2 and R3 models. With a lower-cost model on the way, a deep-pocketed partner in Volkswagen, and steady operational gains, Rivian is positioning itself as a promising player in the EV race. RIVN currently carries a Zacks Rank #3. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report General Motors Company (GM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Byd Co., Ltd. (BYDDY) : Free Stock Analysis Report Li Auto Inc. Sponsored ADR (LI) : Free Stock Analysis Report Luminar Technologies, Inc. (LAZR) : Free Stock Analysis Report Lucid Group, Inc. (LCID) : Free Stock Analysis Report Rivian Automotive, Inc. (RIVN) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research
Associated Press
a day ago
- Associated Press
Technology Empowers Rescue! The Wheel-Legged Robot of DEEP Robotics Makes Emergency Rescue More Efficient and Safer
HANGZHOU, CN / ACCESS Newswire / June 27, 2025 / With the rapid development of technology, unmanned intelligent emergency rescue equipment is gradually becoming the new favorite in the field of public safety. Such equipment can not only penetrate into dangerous environments, replace rescue personnel in performing high-risk tasks, and significantly improve rescue efficiency, but also safeguard the lives of rescue workers to a certain extent. Driven by policies, ensuring the safety and reliability of emergency robots in complex and changeable environments, as well as achieving their efficient collaborative operations with other rescue equipment and personnel, have become urgent challenges in the development process of unmanned intelligent emergency rescue equipment. Recently, LYNX M20 wheel-legged robot released by DEEP Robotics, with its innovative design and powerful performance, may bring a breakthrough solution to the existing dilemmas in emergency rescue, and promote the further upgrade of the practical combat capabilities of unmanned rescue equipment in real-world scenarios. Upgrading Perception in Harsh Environments to Crack the Dilemma of Disaster Scene Reconnaissance In a fire scene filled with toxic gases, firefighters rely solely on flashlights and protective gear for reconnaissance, with their detection range compressed to within tens of meters, and they also face fatal risks such as poisoning. This requires fire-fighting robots to possess the capabilities of complex environmental perception and operation in extreme environments. LYNX M20 wheel-legged robot from DEEP Robotics is equipped with a 96-line LiDAR, which constructs a 360°×90° 3D perception network through hundreds of thousands of environmental data collections per second. Even in dark environments, it can real-time build a 3D point cloud model of the surrounding environment. Paired with gas sensors and a dual-light pan-tilt, it also enables functions such as real-time transmission of high-definition on-site images, precise detection and feedback of combustible/toxic gas data, heat source tracking, etc. This helps commanders achieve remote visual monitoring, predict potential dangers in advance, and provide intelligent support for search and rescue operations. Meanwhile, LYNX M20 robot dog has an all-weather protection rating of IP66, which means it is completely dustproof and highly waterproof. It can operate continuously and stably in the extreme temperature range of -20°C to 55°C, and is fully capable of withstanding wind and rain. All-Terrain Operation in Complex Terrains Helps Break Through Rescue Access Obstacles In actual rescue scenarios, the dilemma of equipment passage caused by complex terrains is not uncommon. For example, in wild disaster accidents, traditional rescue equipment is limited by the narrowness and tortuosity of mountain roads and needs to take a detour. During urban rescues, the narrow space of stairwells inside buildings and the dense pipelines in underground utility tunnels cause rescue equipment to 'get stuck'. At disaster sites such as earthquakes and collapses, obstacles like gravel and gullies in the ruins hinder rescue tasks due to complex terrain conditions. As a medium-sized industrial-grade all-terrain wheel-legged robot specially designed for complex terrain and hazardous environment applications, LYNX M20 robot dog integrates the speed of wheeled robots with the flexibility of legged robots. It not only has the efficient mobility in wheeled mode but can also break through complex obstacles through its legged configuration. Compared with traditional tracked and wheeled robots in complex environment operations, it has obvious advantages in scenarios such as mountains, ruins, and narrow spaces. With its compact size and 'front elbow-rear knee' front-rear symmetrical mechanical structure, LYNX M20 robot dog can move freely even in old stairwells and underground utility tunnels as narrow as 50cm. This symmetrical design allows it to travel back and forth freely without turning around, and easily achieve flexible traversal by dynamically adjusting the wheel-leg spacing and joint angles. When facing an 80cm vertical obstacle, the anti-slip patterns on its four legs, combined with the 'front elbow-rear knee' structure, provide strong grip and climbing stability; when dealing with 22cm continuous steps, it can precisely control the pace rhythm to complete the crossing, fully covering the dead corners that are difficult to reach by traditional rescue. Accurate Information Collection Enhances Rescue Decision-making Efficiency The real-time data acquisition at disaster sites directly affects rescue efficiency and safety. Traditional reconnaissance methods have problems such as incomplete data and time lag in complex environments, which are difficult to meet the decision-making needs of modern rescues. Modern rescues place higher demands on equipment, requiring fire-fighting robots to have multi-dimensional environmental perception and stable data transmission capabilities to provide more accurate on-site information for command centers. In this regard, DEEP Robotics took the lead in launching the 'Quadruped Robot Fire Emergency Solution' as early as 2022. Robot dogs and drones work together to build a sound air-ground collaborative rescue command system, which was verified in the 'Emergency Mission · 2024" joint rescue drill for super typhoon prevention and extra-heavy flood disasters. Last June, in the 'Emergency Mission・2024" joint rescue drill for super typhoon prevention and extra-heavy flood disasters, the 'Quadruped Robot Emergency Fire Solution' jointly deployed by Zhejiang Fire Brigade and DEEP Robotics demonstrated excellent combat capabilities. X30 robot and drones conducted coordinated operations, not only transmitting key data such as fire scene temperature, radiant heat intensity, and toxic/hazardous gas concentration in real time through dual-light pan-tilt and gas detectors, but also accurately locating the positions of trapped personnel in complex environments and quickly constructing a three-dimensional model of the disaster site. This provided precise decision-making basis for the command center, making rescue operations more scientific and efficient. In addition, DEEP Robotics' 'Quadruped Robot Fire Emergency Solution' has completed scenario verification in various extreme environments, including earthquake ruins, collapse-prone buildings, tunnel accidents, and chemical pollution. The new-generation LYNX M20 wheel-legged robot, with its powerful functions and flexibility, will provide more intelligent support in the field of emergency fire protection, helping to make fire rescue more efficient and safer. Conclusion: Rescue personnel face life-threatening risks such as toxic gas poisoning and building collapse during missions. Against this backdrop, the Ministry of Emergency Management is actively promoting the R&D and application of intelligent equipment, yet combat capabilities in complex environments remain an industry pain point. From the perspective of technical verification, quadruped robot solutions represented by DEEP Robotics' LYNX M20 have demonstrated significant advantages in the field of emergency fire protection, effectively improving rescue efficiency and operational safety. Innovative enterprises represented by DEEP Robotics, through continuous technological iteration and scenario verification, are promoting the comprehensive upgrading of the emergency rescue system and building an intelligent defense line for safeguarding people's lives and property. Company：DEEP Robotics Contact：Vera Huang Email 1： [email protected] Email 2: [email protected] Inquiry Form： SOURCE: DEEP Robotics press release
New York Post
a day ago
- Business
- New York Post
This Shark vacuum deal is jaw-dropping at 50% off ahead of Prime Day
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. When is Prime Day 2025? Good news, it's around the corner from July 8 to July 11, lasting four days this year for the first time ever. Not a Prime member for this hot deal? Sign up for a 30-day free trial for free, two-day shipping, and discounted prices on early deals. But don't wait, they slip away as fast as they appear. One of our favorite deals of the day is the Shark AI Ultra Voice Control Robot Vacuum, now 50% off! With over 33,000 glowing reviews and more than 1,000 scooped up just last month, this smart-cleaning powerhouse is likely to sell out quickly at this price, but the price may change within 24 hours. Advertisement And this Shark doesn't just swim in circles, it maps your home with 360-degree LiDAR, scrubs in a smart precision grid, and even empties itself for up to 60 days. With voice control, self-cleaning brushroll, and deep-cleaning muscle, it's the ultimate hands-free summer housekeeper. Ready to save at half the price? Amazon Designed with intense suction to get every last speck of dust with just one pass, this robot can be voice-controlled and accessed via an app. With a precision home mapping schedule, this device can be cleaned at certain times and in specific rooms whenever you say. The self-cleaning brush roll doesn't get tangled and can clean up after your pet, child, or, let's be honest…yourself without skipping a beat. Plus, it self-empties and doesn't need to be cleaned for at least 60 days. One five-star reviewer said it did an 'amazing job' for hardwood and low-pile carpets, adding that it 'cleans way better than the previous vacuum we had.' Another shopper remarked, 'I've been a Roomba fan for years, but this Shark is changing my mind.' For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America's go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We're not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren't already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we're known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
