New sensor technology pioneered for two-wheeled transportation
Piaggio Fast Forward (PFF), a Boston-based robotics company and a leader in smart following technology, has developed new sensor technology for implementation not only in consumer and business robots, but also in scooters and motorcycles.
PFF’s hardware-software has developed modules that offer uncompromising safety by providing robust monitoring in all environmental and lighting conditions. PFF awarded a supply contract for the modules’ Radar-on-Chip to Vayyar Imaging, marking the deployment of the industry’s first-ever 4D imaging radar-based motorcycle safety platform. The complete sensor package is developed, built and supplied by PFF for mass production in Piaggio Group motorcycles’ Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS).
ARAS applications are on the frontline of the battle to prevent collisions and protect motorcycle riders.
The PFF modules use Vayyar’s mmWave 4D imaging Radar-on-Chip (RoC) sensor, enabling multiple ARAS functions such as Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with a single sensor supporting a range of over 100m, and an ultra-wide field of view. PFF robots incorporating the radar technology are expected to be released at the end of 2021, with Piaggio Group motorcycle models equipped with the PFF sensor module launching in 2022.
The Vayyar 4D imaging radar technology being used in both PFF robots and PFF sensing modules developed for the motorcycle industry, supports a large Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) array that enables ultra-high resolution point cloud imaging for holistic monitoring of a robot’s and a vehicle’s surroundings. This high-performance sensor incorporates sophisticated single-chip 4D imaging radar technology, featuring an ultra-wide field of view (both in azimuth and elevation) with no dead zones, detecting and tracking multiple targets. Its small-form factor is engineered to address the unique challenges of motorcycle and robotics design.
“Motorcycle riders are among the most vulnerable road users, and this is a big step forward in reducing their risk of collision,” said Ilan Hayat, the director of business development at Vayyar Imaging.
Source: Linden Bray (influenceassociates.com)
