Aurora Unveils Autonomous Automotive Test Fleet
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Aurora Innovation Inc. announced it unveiled its test fleet of its autonomous custom-designed Toyota Sienna vehicles featuring Toyota’s vehicle control interface and Sienna Autono-MaaS (S-AM) platform.
Aurora is also applying autonomous technology in heavy-duty trucks.
The Toyota S-AM will serve as the backbone platform for the expected launch of Aurora Connect, its autonomous ride-hailing product.
We just gave @Toyota execs the first rides in our Toyota Sienna test fleet. These minivans are now out on public roads in Dallas, can go up to 70mph & handle other on-road capabilities.
Read about our exciting milestone toward launching Aurora Connect: https://t.co/hGnsE8yUMf pic.twitter.com/AlmvB6HcKq — Aurora (@aurora_inno) March 23, 2022
At the same time, Aurora’s investment in a common core of technology allowed this automotive fleet to inherit all of the learnings and capabilities of Aurora’s next-generation heavy-duty trucks already using autonomous technology. The fleet of modified Toyota Sienna vehicles achieved parity with Aurora’s trucks within just six weeks of commencing on-road testing, Aurora reported.
The Toyota S-AM will serve as the backbone platform for the expected launch of Aurora Connect, its autonomous ride-hailing product. (Aurora)
Pittsburgh-based Aurora noted it is autonomously testing the fleet on highways and suburban streets in Texas, where the Aurora Driver regularly handles Texas U-turns, high-speed merges and lane changes, including those in response to vehicles on the shoulder. The Aurora Driver is also able to react to various forms of construction, stop-and-go traffic and inclement weather, and can detect pedestrians, motorcyclists, traffic lights and more.
Aurora, founded in 2017, went public in November 2021, and ended the year with $1.6 billion in cash, compared with $387 million a year earlier. — Transport Topics
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