2024-10-29 11:13:00
Oxa, a global leader in autonomous vehicle technology, has announced that its Ford E-Transit self-driving van and minibus are now driving on UK and US roads thanks to Oxa Driver software.
This represents an important advance in the commercialization of autonomous driving technology. The Ford E-Transit, Europe’s best-selling large electric van, now powered by Oxa software offers a profitable new platform for both freight delivery and passenger services around the world.
“Making the Ford E-Transit available for autonomous operations is the next step in our journey to deliver safe, scalable and sustainable autonomous solutions,” said Gavin Jackson, CEO of Oxa. “This vehicle represents an important milestone in our mission to reshape the future of passenger transportation and logistics.”
The new Ford E-Transit are the first mass production vehicles to be converted using Oxa’s Reference Autonomy Designs (RAD). These design blueprints enable rapid integration of autonomy into host vehicles, including “Driven by Oxa” software and sensors, computing and drive-by-wire systems.
Commercial production of autonomous vehicles requires the combination of manufacturing and autonomy expertise, supported by a flexible and adaptable approach.
Oxa defines, prototypes and validates RADs before they are used by vehicle OEMs and approved installers to mass produce autonomous vehicles, with flexible distribution and licensing models. This is key to expanding commercial deployments of autonomous vehicles.
Oxa’s autonomous Ford E-Transit is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing fleets, offering a versatile platform capable of adapting to different applications. The vehicle can be configured for both logistics services (van) and passenger services (up to 10 seats in minibus form).
The compact hardware also ensures that space inside the vehicle is not compromised. Oxa Driver software offers category-leading smooth driving and a fuel-efficient solution that keeps vehicles running longer.
The vehicle is equipped with standard automotive-grade sensors, including cameras, lidar and radar. Full 360-degree perception and long-range detection enable autonomous operation up to 56 km/h in mixed traffic. Manual controls are retained, allowing the vehicle to be used flexibly in a non-autonomous mode.
To ensure the safe and efficient deployment of the Ford E-Transit, Oxa conducts testing and validation using a combination of controlled environments, real-world driving and virtual testing using Oxa’s spatial AI technology. Here, generative artificial intelligence, digital twins and simulation enable accelerated training and assessment tailored to clients’ needs.
Both Ford E-Transit vans and minibuses, driven by Oxa, are now available for integration into commercial fleets.
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#software #Ford #ETransit #autonomous
