Autonomous shuttle developer Optimus Ride has contracted Velodyne to deploy its lidar sensors in its entire fleet of self-driving vehicles.
Optimus Ride will soon be operating self-driving shuttles in four US states and requires lidar sensors capable of providing rich computer perception data to facilitate real-time object and free space detection for safe navigation and reliable operation.
“Velodyne’s sensors provide powerful lidar solutions that help us ensure our self-driving vehicles are the smartest and safest on the road today,” said Dr Ryan Chin, Optimus Ride’s CEO and co-founder. “For Optimus Ride to operate a fleet at SAE Level 4 requires significant sophistication, intelligence, range and resolution. Velodyne’s technology meets these high standards.”
Optimus Ride operates self-driving vehicles that provide passenger transportation at low speeds within defined, geofenced areas such as planned communities, campuses and self-driving zones in cities. The company’s vehicles are currently deployed in Boston’s Seaport District, South Weymouth, Massachusetts and at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in Brooklyn, New York.
Optimus Ride’s deployment in the Navy Yard is the first commercial deployment of self-driving vehicles in the state of New York. Optimus Ride will soon deploy at Paradise Valley Estates in Fairfield, California, and Brookfield Properties’ Halley Rise development in Reston, Virginia.
Mike Jellen, president and CCO, Velodyne, said, “The Optimus Ride fleet showcases how Velodyne’s intelligent lidar sensors are helping companies place autonomous vehicles on the road today. Optimus Ride has an ingenious approach to providing people with access to efficient and convenient self-driving mobility – effectively solving the first-and last-mile problem.”
Interested in lidar? You can’t afford to miss the Autonomous Vehicle Test & Development Symposium, where representatives from several leading lidar companies – including Luminar, Velodyne Lidar and Cepton – will discuss the latest advances and test and development techniques. For full details on rates and how to book, click here.