Anand Gopalan, CEO & Co-Founder Vayu Robotics joined Grayson Brulte on The Road to Autonomy podcast to discuss the dawn of a new era in robotics and autonomous systems. Anand believes the industry is on the cusp of a breakthrough, moving from fragmented point solutions to horizontal intelligence applicable across various robotic applications.Vayu’s approach focuses on developing high-quality, low-cost autonomous systems. Vayu achieves this through innovative passive sensing technology, which extracts multiple properties of light beyond just intensity, inspired by biological systems. This method allows for robust perception without the energy inefficiency and detectability issues of active sensors like LiDARS.The company utilizes low-power ARM processors instead of expensive GPU clusters, significantly reducing both cost and energy consumption. This efficiency enables Vayu’s robots to operate for 6-8 hours on a single battery charge, dramatically lowering the carbon footprint of goods movement.Anand emphasizes the importance of foundation models in robotics, but highlights the challenges of data scarcity and edge computing. Vayu addresses these issues through intelligent use of synthetic data generated in gaming-like simulators, focusing on domain-independent aspects of movement and interaction.The conversation touches on the broad applicability of Vayu’s technology, from defense to various commercial sectors. Deploying the same intelligence across multiple applications creates significant growth and business opportunities. As a business Vayu is focused on drastically reducing hardware costs, and building robotics that can transform a capital-intensive industry to one with rapid return on investment. He envisions Vayu monetizing its intelligence and hardware reference designs rather than becoming a robotics operations business.In closing the conversation Anand suggests robotics are entering a golden age, driven by new tools and the ability to solve real economic problems. He encourages listeners and viewers to recognize this potential while remaining grounded in addressing the hard technical challenges of edge computing, cost reduction, and energy efficiency.Recorded on Thursday, June 27, 2024Episode Chapters0:00 Current State of the Robotics Market4:58 Cost of Sensors9:27 Cost of Labor Accelerating the Adoption of Autonomy13:29 Value of Robotic Autonomy 15:19 Lower Power Chips vs GPUs17:03 Energy Efficiency 21:03 Passive Sensing 27:43 AI Foundational Models31:40 Simulation 37:45 Vayu Business--------About The Road to AutonomyThe Road to Autonomy® is a leading source of data, insight and commentary on autonomous vehicles/trucks and the emerging autonomy economy™. The company has two businesses: The Road to Autonomy Indices, with Standard and Poor’s Dow Jones Indices as the custom calculation agent; Media, which includes The Road to Autonomy and Autonomy Economy podcasts as well as This Week in The Autonomy Economy newsletter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vinay Shet, Co-Founder and CEO of Teleo joined Autonomy Insights to share his perspective on why Teleo is partnering with construction companies like Ajax Paving and Tomahawk Construction to deploy supervised autonomy in their operations. Supervised Autonomy allows operators to control heavy machinery remotely from a comfortable office setting, rather than sitting in the cab of the machine.Episode Chapters0:00 Ajax Paving / Teleo Partnership3:17 Health Benefits of Supervised Autonomy 6:41 Growth of the Construction Industry9:56 Teleo's Florida Expansion10:34 Retrofitting Equipment for Supervised Autonomy 11:39 Growth of the Supervised Autonomy Market13:09 What's Next For Teleo--------About The Road to AutonomyThe Road to Autonomy® is a leading source of data, insight and commentary on autonomous vehicles/trucks and the emerging autonomy economy™. The company has two businesses: The Road to Autonomy Indices, with Standard and Poor’s Dow Jones Indices as the custom calculation agent; Media, which includes The Road to Autonomy and Autonomy Economy podcasts as well as This Week in The Autonomy Economy newsletter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Corey Clothier, Co-Founder, ARIBO joined Grayson Brulte on The Road to Autonomy podcast to discuss developing and deploying autonomous ground vehicles with the military. In this insightful episode, Grayson and Corey explore the rapidly evolving world of autonomous vehicles, with a special focus on military applications and their spillover into commercial sectors. The discussion begins with a look at the current state of autonomous vehicles outside the well-known robotaxi market. Corey highlights the diverse applications in mines, ports, terminals, and campus-based environments. He emphasizes that autonomy is far more extensive than just passenger vehicles, touching on crucial areas such as logistics, security, industrial operations and military applications. With a background in working with the military on ground autonomy, Corey shares his experiences, detailing projects ranging from autonomous security vehicles to logistics trucks. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in deploying these technologies on military bases and in combat zones, touching on issues like reliability, safety protocols, and regulatory hurdles.The conversation also delves into the future of autonomy in both military and civilian contexts. Corey predicts a steady growth in adoption and innovation over the next decade, with potential catalysts like competition from China and Tesla’s anticipated entry into the robotaxi market further accelerating development.Throughout the conversation Grayson and Corey both highlight the interconnectedness of military and commercial autonomous vehicle technologies. Wrapping up the conversation, Corey shares his thoughts and insights on emerging trends, particularly in logistics and campus-based autonomous vehicle systems. He emphasizes the need for collaboration, competition, and strong leadership to drive innovation in this rapidly advancing field.Recorded on Friday, June 21, 2024Episode Chapters0:00 Current State of Autonomous Vehicle Market1:43 Deploying Autonomous Vehicles at Airports6:12 Autonomous Vehicles on Military Bases 11:05 Military Collaboration on Autonomy 16:11 Autonomous Tanks22:04 Reliability 26:51 Leader Follower Program30:25 Opportunities for the Army in Autonomous Vehicles 34:52 DARPA Grand Challenge 36:07 Autonomy Evolving Over the Next Decade42:34 Key Takeaways--------About The Road to AutonomyThe Road to Autonomy® is a leading source of data, insight and commentary on autonomous vehicles/trucks and the emerging autonomy economy™. The company has two businesses: The Road to Autonomy Indices, with Standard and Poor’s Dow Jones Indices as the custom calculation agent; Media, which includes The Road to Autonomy and Autonomy Economy podcasts as well as This Week in The Autonomy Economy newsletter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

India Herdman, Senior Manager, Policy Affairs, Consumer Technology Association (CTA) joined Grayson Brulte on The Road to Autonomy podcast to discuss the current state of autonomous vehicle / truck policy and why a National Autonomous Vehicle Framework will unlock economic growth in the U.S. The conversation begins by examining the current state of autonomous vehicle policy, highlighting the patchwork of regulations at the state level and the stagnation at the federal level. India emphasizes the importance of passing comprehensive federal legislation to unlock the potential of autonomous vehicles, pointing out the safety and economic benefits they could bring to the U.S.The conversation then delves into the political landscape surrounding autonomous vehicle policy. India outlines the challenges faced on both sides of the aisle, including labor union concerns for Democrats and China-related issues for Republicans. She stresses the need for compromise and a balanced approach to move forward to ensure that the United States is not left behind on the development and commercialization of autonomy. In addition to discussing autonomy, Grayson and India touch on other related issues, including the AM radio mandate for vehicles, the role of trial lawyers in shaping policy, and the need for public education on autonomous vehicles. One of those platforms to showcase the future of autonomy is the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) as it serves as a platform for showcasing autonomous vehicle advancements and engaging policymakers.Throughout the episode, both Grayson and India emphasize the economic potential of autonomous vehicles and express frustration at the lack of political will to advance the technology for the benefit of the economy. They call for a more proactive approach from the industry to educate the public and policymakers about the benefits of AVs.Wrapping up the podcast they urge listeners and viewers to recognize the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate progress on autonomous vehicle policy to ensure U.S. competitiveness and that the American public can reap the safety and economic benefits of this transformative technology.Recorded on Tuesday, June 18, 2024Episode Chapters0:00 Current State of Autonomous Vehicle and Truck Policy3:57 Autonomy is Good for the Economy6:18 Politicians, Special Interests and the Media11:33 Distracted Driving14:17 Public Trust in Autonomous Vehicles15:37 CES19:19 Geopolitics 31:18 Tort Reform 34:06 AM Radio Mandate40:29 Future of Autonomous Vehicle Policy--------About The Road to AutonomyThe Road to Autonomy® is a leading source of data, insight and commentary on autonomous vehicles/trucks and the emerging autonomy economy™. The company has two businesses: The Road to Autonomy Indices, with Standard and Poor’s Dow Jones Indices as the custom calculation agent; Media, which includes The Road to Autonomy and Autonomy Economy podcasts as well as This Week in The Autonomy Economy newsletter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dive into the cutting-edge world of warehouse automation as Josip Cesic, CEO & Co-Founder, Gideon joined The Road to Autonomy Founder Grayson Brulte to discuss the current state and future of this rapidly evolving market. During the conversation they discuss how AI and robotics are revolutionizing supply chain operations, particularly in the realm of autonomous forklifts.Discover why major Fortune 100 companies are doubling down on warehouse automation and learn why it’s no longer reserved for early adopters. Josip explains the driving forces behind this trend, including labor shortages, changing workforce desires, and the quest for operational efficiency.Key highlights include:The $150 billion market opportunityHow AI is enabling end-to-end automation solutionsThe global impact of forklift driver shortages, from Japan to the UKGideon’s partnership with NVIDIA and its implications for the industryInsights on market adoption across different sectorsJosip also addresses the challenges of developing autonomous systems for various applications and why staying focused on solving specific problems is crucial for success. He shares his perspective on the future of warehouse automation, predicting a completely reinvented supply chain landscape within the next decade.Whether you’re interested in robotics, AI, supply chain management, or investment opportunities in emerging technologies, this discussion provides a comprehensive overview of the warehouse automation revolution. Join us as we explore how autonomous forklifts and AI are reshaping the future of logistics and distribution.Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve in one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing sectors in technology and logistics. Watch now to understand the $150 billion revolution that’s transforming warehouses worldwide.Episode Chapters0:00 Current State of Warehouse Automation 4:13 Gideon / NVIDIA Partnership5:23 Robotic Software + Hardware Stacks7:51 Autonomous Forklift Market Size9:08 Venture Capital Investing in Autonomous Forklifts10:46 Consolidation in the Autonomous Forklift Industry 12:09 Future of the Warehouse Automation Market--------About The Road to AutonomyThe Road to Autonomy® is a leading source of data, insight and commentary on autonomous vehicles/trucks and the emerging autonomy economy™. The company has two businesses: The Road to Autonomy Indices, with Standard and Poor’s Dow Jones Indices as the custom calculation agent; Media, which includes The Road to Autonomy and Autonomy Economy podcasts as well as This Week in The Autonomy Economy newsletter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Matt Markel, Business Leader, Radar & Autonomy Expert with experience at Waymo and in the defense industry joined Grayson Brulte on The Road to Autonomy podcast to discuss the NHTSA mandate requiring AEB (automatic emergency braking) systems in all new light vehicles by 2029 and what impact this mandate will have on the development of autonomous vehicles.While the mandate doesn't specifically require LiDAR, Dr. Markel believes a radar+camera sensor fusion approach will likely be the dominant solution that automakers implement to meet this new regulation. He sees the mandate as a positive for wider adoption of radar, but doubts it will spur major radar technology breakthroughs since full autonomy (SAE Level 4) remains the real driver of sensor advancement.During the conversation, Dr. Markel raised concerns about the potential unintended consequences that the mandate could cause, such an increase in "false alarm" brake activations from the AEB systems detecting non-threats because of interference. If a driver finds the system not to be functioning correctly, the regulation restricts automakers from allowing drivers to disable the AEB system, which could create towing/repair headaches if the system suffers a failure. While the mandate aims to save lives, Dr. Markel argues the safety benefits will be small compared to the potential of full autonomy. He advises autonomy companies to "run their own race" and not be distracted by this regulation from their core SAE L4 missions which offer vastly greater safety upsides.Recorded on Tuesday, June 11, 2024Episode Chapters0:00 NHTSA AEB Mandate4:24 Radar Data Generation9:09 AEB Battery Draw12:49 Integrating Radar into a Vehicle Design 15:15 L3 vs L4 Debate24:26 Is the AEB Mandate a Distraction to L4 Goals?31:59 Unintended Consequences of AEB Mandate41:49 Impact of Slowing EV Sales on AEB Mandate42:57 Key Takeaways --------About The Road to AutonomyThe Road to Autonomy® is a leading source of data, insight and commentary on autonomous vehicles/trucks and the emerging autonomy economy™. The company has two businesses: The Road to Autonomy Indices, with Standard and Poor’s Dow Jones Indices as the custom calculation agent; Media, which includes The Road to Autonomy and Autonomy Economy podcasts as well as This Week in The Autonomy Economy newsletter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joanna Buttler, Head of the Global Autonomous Technology Group, Daimler Truck North America joined Grayson Brulte on The Road to Autonomy podcast to discuss the introduction of the autonomous battery electric Freightliner eCascadia demonstrator, Daimler’s 2027 autonomous truck commercial launch and the company’s vision for the future of autonomous trucking. 2027 will be a pivotal year for Daimler Truck as the company commences commercial operations. In just under 3 years, Daimler Truck will be in the market offering SAE Level 4 autonomous trucking solutions to their customers. It’s a journey that started in 2019 when Daimler Truck went “all in” on autonomy, driven by the immense potential to solve major challenges like driver shortages and enable 24/7 freight movement for their customers. Daimler Truck’s vision for autonomy is an ambitious one that leverages their decades of experience and translates it into autonomous-ready commercial trucks. While the excitement today is around battery electric trucks, Daimler is taking a propulsion-agnostic approach, aiming to integrate their autonomous driving systems seamlessly across diesel, electric, and potentially hydrogen fuel cell platforms. Daimler’s goal is to provide their customers with the ultimate flexibility to deploy autonomous trucks optimized for different use cases, lanes and routes.Underpinning Daimler’s autonomous strategy is an absolute commitment to safety and doing it “the right way” by factory-installing production-ready systems and not relying on retrofits. Joanna is optimistic that Daimler Truck’s manufacturing prowess, established sales/service networks, and decades building customer trust will be key competitive advantages.Looking ahead to 2030, Joanna sees consolidation in the autonomous trucking market, but with Daimler aiming for a decisive market leadership position leveraging their traditional truck expertise, production capabilities, partners, and established dealer network. As autonomy scales, autonomous trucking could potentially become larger than Daimler Truck’s traditional business.Recorded on Friday, May 24, 2024Episode Chapters0:00 Autonomous Battery Electric Freightliner eCascadia Demonstrator4:53 The Role of Dealers6:46 Autonomous Truck Maintenance 8:59 Propulsion Agnostic 15:20 Infrastructure as a Catalyst 17:40 Autonomy Success Metrics20:47 New Autonomous Trucks?23:10 Daimler Truck’s Passion for Autonomy25:26 Why 2027?27:13 Factory Grade Autonomous Trucks28:57 Autonomy in 202731:05 Future of Daimler Truck--------About The Road to AutonomyThe Road to Autonomy® is a leading source of data, insight and commentary on autonomous vehicles/trucks and the emerging autonomy economy™. The company has two businesses: The Road to Autonomy Indices, with Standard and Poor’s Dow Jones Indices as the custom calculation agent; Media, which includes The Road to Autonomy and Autonomy Economy podcasts as well as This Week in The Autonomy Economy newsletter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matt McLelland, VP of Sustainability and Innovation, Covenant joined Grayson Brulte on The Road to Autonomy podcast to discuss why certain trucking companies aversion to risk could slow down innovation and have negative economic consequences on their businesses if they delay the rollout of autonomous trucks.This is a thought-provoking, unstructured yet insightful conversation about the complex relationship between risk aversion and the development of autonomous vehicles and autonomous trucks. During the conversation, Grayson and Matt explore how society’s growing fear of risk is stifling progress in the autonomous trucking industry, drawing parallels to historical examples of transformative innovations such as the space program and the development of the airplane that may have never come to fruition in today’s risk-averse climate.Throughout the discussion, Grayson and Matt grapple with the multifaceted nature of risk perception, from individual responsibilities to the role of tort law and media sensationalism. They argue that the disproportionate attention given to rare autonomous vehicle accidents, coupled with a litigious environment, is creating an atmosphere of fear that threatens to slow the adoption of this life-saving technology that will have positive economic benefits.The conversation also delves into the economic implications of risk aversion, with Grayson asserting that the rising costs associated with insurance and legal liability are becoming a significant burden for companies pioneering autonomous trucks and vehicles. Matt shares his firsthand experience with these challenges at Covenant Logistics, highlighting the need for tort reform and a shift in public perception.Despite the obstacles, both Matt and Grayson remain optimistic about the future of autonomous vehicles and trucks. They emphasize the importance of personal responsibility, education, and a willingness to embrace calculated risks in order to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation. The episode concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to recognize their own role in shaping societal attitudes towards risk and to support the brave innovators who are working to create a safer, more efficient future through autonomous technologies.Recorded on Thursday, May 16, 2024Episode Chapters0:00 Risk26:27 Fear30:54 Managing Risk32:25 Conquering the Fear of Risk41:32 Key Takeaways--------About The Road to AutonomyThe Road to Autonomy® is a leading source of data, insight and commentary on autonomous vehicles/trucks and the emerging autonomy economy™. The company has two businesses: The Road to Autonomy Indices, with Standard and Poor’s Dow Jones Indices as the custom calculation agent; Media, which includes The Road to Autonomy and Autonomy Economy podcasts as well as This Week in The Autonomy Economy newsletter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Harry Campbell aka The Rideshare Guy joined Grayson Brulte on The Road to Autonomy podcast to discuss the potential of Tesla entering the rideshare market both with human driven vehicles and autonomous vehicles. In a wide-ranging discussion, Grayson and Harry touch on several key topics surrounding Tesla’s potential entry into the rideshare market and how those moves could affect the overall market. As Tesla explores potentially entering the market, the company’s brand appeal and the millions of vehicles already on the road give them a potential edge, especially once Tesla achieves full self-driving (FSD).Throughout the episode, Grayson and Harry provide insightful analysis and predictions about the future of the rideshare industry, highlighting the technological advancements and strategic decisions that will shape its evolution.Looking ahead, Harry sees two major factors shaping rideshare’s future outside of Tesla: the rollout of robotaxis, and a new generation forgoing car ownership and relying more heavily on Uber and micro-mobility options such as e-bikes. Despite challenges such as rising insurance costs, he remains optimistic about the industry’s prospects as personal car ownership potentially declines.Recorded on Tuesday, May 14, 2024Episode Chapters0:00 Tesla Rideshare Market2:32 FSD 126:44 The Hybrid Network (Human Driven Vehicles and Robotaxis)13:51 Rising Insurance Premiums 19:15 Tesla Ridehail Network33:45 Economics of the Uber Platform37:02 What if Tesla Bought Lyft?43:06 Tesla Subscription Service47:14 Future of Rideshare--------About The Road to AutonomyThe Road to Autonomy® is a leading source of data, insight and commentary on autonomous vehicles/trucks and the emerging autonomy economy™. The company has two businesses: The Road to Autonomy Indices, with Standard and Poor’s Dow Jones Indices as the custom calculation agent; Media, which includes The Road to Autonomy and Autonomy Economy podcasts as well as This Week in The Autonomy Economy newsletter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The skyrocketing costs of commercial vehicle insurance in the trucking industry is a pressing issue that is causing economic harm. Commercial insurance premiums rose a staggering 9.8% in Q1 2024, driven by three main factors: the proliferation of nuclear verdicts over $10 million, a shortage of experienced drivers, and inflated vehicle repair costs. Nuclear verdicts, with an average of $33.8 million, have made insurance unaffordable for many smaller fleets, forcing them into bankruptcy. The current macroeconomic environment, with high inflation, rising insurance premiums, and increasing regulatory costs, is creating a “perfect storm” that could accelerate the adoption of autonomous trucks. Lee White, Founder & President of LM White Consulting joined The Road to Autonomy Founder Grayson Brulte discuss the impact insurance rates and nuclear verdicts are having on the trucking industry and why autonomous trucking could be the solution. Recorded on Friday, May 17 2024Episode Chapters0:00 Skyrocketing Commercial Insurance Costs 3:31 Nuclear Verdicts 8:54 High Insurance are Helping to Usher in Autonomous Trucking 12:23 Future of The Trucking Industry--------About The Road to AutonomyThe Road to Autonomy® is a leading source of data, insight and commentary on autonomous vehicles/trucks and the emerging autonomy economy™. The company has two businesses: The Road to Autonomy Indices, with Standard and Poor’s Dow Jones Indices as the custom calculation agent; Media, which includes The Road to Autonomy and Autonomy Economy podcasts as well as This Week in The Autonomy Economy newsletter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.