New Kids on the Block

You would think the autonomous vehicle world would wait a respectable time after my relaxing vacation to spawn new competitors and fill my inbox with lots of news. But no, just this week I am reading about deals, laws, and now two start ups that threaten to do better what is already being attempted. If these start ups meet with success, there is little doubt that billions - with a B - will be offered to acquire their talents.

Instant AI 

DeepScale - An AI company that has burst on the scene with "deep neural nets and computer vision systems." This is something Nvidia is involved with, but this new company claims to much more quickly and efficiently teach the software to navigate road situations. DeepScale is working on the perception capability of driverless vehicles. Thus far, the company has attracted $3 million - with a mere m - in funding. It's chicken feed by current standards, but it gives hope and some life to about 20 people who are way smarter than me.

Do not confuse DeepScale with Deep State, which I learned about from Samantha Bee. It is the far-crazy-right-wing (yes, even some in the Administration's undocumented theory - why trouble a good theory with facts?) that government workers and Obama are hijacking the federal government.

Take two cameras and transform the jalopy

AutoX founder - former assistant Princeton professor Jianxiwong Xiao - bought a few cameras at Best Buy, added some AI software, and presto jammo, he might be transforming the nascent driverless vehicle industry. No GPS here, but he expects to add LIDAR cameras down the road. Xiao has left Princeton and moved to California to pursue the dream.



Who would not want to move from even a pretty part of New Jersey? I have to admit, though, I would pause at a move to Silicon Valley. I do agree with the avoidance of GPS. Not a fan.

Xiao says it will likely be two to three years before an AutoX system is ready to be sold to vehicle manufacturers. Yes, here's the video again.

Okay, now on to reports and lots of legislation at the US state level in the works.