Autonomous mobility vendor Beep Inc. and autonomous software firm Oxa will collaborate on deploying autonomous vehicles using Oxa’s software.
The deal is designed to help Beep continue to advance its testing and operations across the U.S. and will mark Oxa’s first entry in the U.S. market. The deal will see the Oxa autonomous software installed into a variety of vehicles operated by Beep including shuttles and future platforms.
The first vehicle will be in a fleet of Beep Autonomous and electric shuttles driven by Oxa’s software, called Oxa Driver. The software is energy-efficient for vehicle types in any environment, the companies said. Two vehicles using Oxa software currently are in operation at SunTrax test facility in Auburndale, Florida. This will also be the first location designed for connected autonomous vehicles and standard automotive testing in a single site, Beep said.
Combined data
The Oxa Driver software combines sensor data from cameras, lidar and radar that allows a view of the world around it, the companies said. The companies claim this is the first-time fused sensor technology has been deployed in a passenger shuttle in the U.S.
Additionally, Oxa Driver uses artificial intelligence to sense and predict the vehicle’s environment from previous journeys. This allows it to improve over time the results it gets from the data acquired.
“Oxa’s self-driving software, integrated with our command center and service management software, provides a safe and sophisticated autonomous solution that will enhance our passenger experience and operational capabilities, making more accessible, true autonomous use cases a near-term reality,” said Joe Moye, CEO of Beep. “Safe, shared autonomous transportation promises a major impact on traffic congestion, road safety and the environment, and we’re pleased to have a partner who shares these priorities and values in Oxa.”