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28 angles and synchronised time stamps with microsecond resolution. In addition, four 77-79 GHz radar sensors determine the position and speed of nearby objects, also ensuring the ability to detect them in poor visibility. While the Lidars and radars are active sensors capable of detecting and measuring the 3D position and velocity of targets around the vehicle, they are backed up by six colour cameras linked to deep learning software that analyses the vehicle’s surroundings and takes in information that the other sensors cannot, interpreting road signs and traffic lights for example. Two of the three VLP-16s are at the front mounted on the roof just inboard of the A-pillars, and the third is on the roof above the middle of the rear window. Three of the Scalas look out through openings in the front valance moulding, one each at the left and right corners and the third low down in the centre below the number plate, while a fourth on the roof shares its housing with a camera. The other three are mounted behind the rear valance on a black-painted steel framework that is revealed when the valance is removed. Also visible when the rear valence is not in place is a robust-looking aluminium impact beam that is bolted to the ends of the two main longitudinal chassis members. In the front and rear valance mouldings above the Scalas are the four Valeo radar sensors. In addition to a forward-looking camera mounted in the upper front Scala housing there are side-facing cameras at the corners where the A- and B-pillars meet the roof, and a sixth rearward- looking camera beside the rear VLP-16. Comms and navigation Another means of communicating with traffic lights and other urban infrastructure is via a V2X onboard unit with vehicle-to- infrastructure (V2I) capability and vehicle- to-vehicle (V2V) potential using direct short- range communication radio technology. Initially, Sapet says, Navya has implemented V2X comms with infrastructure, mainly traffic lights, with V2V planned. The software exists for a variety of V2V applications that will enable comms between Navya vehicles, and for the future he is considering extending that to other vehicles, particularly those operated by the emergency services. He is also looking at a ‘platooning’ capability that would allow two April/May 2018 | Unmanned Systems Technology The framework behind the Cab’s rear valance supports a pair of Scala Lidars – the aluminium impact beam is likely to afford the sensors some protection in a rear impact (Author’s photo) Supplementing the Lidars is a suite of six colour TV cameras that provide all-round vision and are linked to software that helps recognise obstacles detected by the Lidars (Courtesy of Navya)