Revolutionizing Autonomous Transit: Hexagon and AutonomouStuff’s Innovative Solution

Hexagon and AutonomouStuff have unveiled a cutting-edge autonomy software solution that integrates seamlessly with by-wire technology and advanced sensors, substantially enhancing safe navigation capabilities for Ford Transit vehicles.

Seamless Integration for Enhanced Navigation

This innovative system utilizes a combination of positioning and perception sensors alongside a by-wire control mechanism to ensure reliable navigation in both urban and rural settings. The design is tailored for easy integration, which accelerates the deployment of autonomous programs and reduces the time required to launch commercial transit shuttles, last-mile delivery services, and university transport solutions.The versatility of the autonomy suite allows it to be customized for specific environmental conditions and designated routes.

Advanced Technology Behind the Solution

The Ford Transit platform is equipped with a drive-by-wire system that allows for electronic vehicle control, complemented by GNSS positioning and perception sensors such as LiDAR and RADAR.AutonomouStuff’s autonomy software stack harnesses data from these sensors to facilitate autonomous navigation. This software serves as the core component of the platform, simplifying the integration of the autonomy solution into Ford Transit vehicles.

Lowering Barriers for Autonomous mobility

kevin Fay, the vehicle platforms portfolio manager at Hexagon’s autonomy & Positioning division, stated, “The introduction of the by-wire R&D platform for the Ford Transit enhances Hexagon’s autonomous mobility ecosystem and reduces the entry barriers for last-mile delivery and transit shuttle services.”

He further elaborated,“Our autonomy software functions as the brain of the system,utilizing sensors and by-wire technology to navigate safely and autonomously,regardless of the destination.”

Real-World Applications and Future Prospects

The by-wire platform, along with the autonomy software stack and sensor suite, has been validated through an ongoing initiative that employs an automated shuttle to serve rural communities using a Ford Transit vehicle.Following the success of this rural transit project, AutonomouStuff is set to launch the Ford Transit by-wire R&D platform, aimed at fostering the growth of commercial shuttle transit, last-mile delivery, and university autonomy programs.