Uncrewed Systems Technology 048 | Kodiak Driver | 5G focus | Tiburon USV | Skypersonic Skycopter and Skyrover | CES 2023 | Limbach L 2400 DX and L 550 EFG | NXInnovation NX 100 Enviro | Solar power focus | Protegimus Protection

37 Kodiak Driver | Dossier train the neural networks, TensorFlow was generally the tool of choice for developing and maturing Kodiak’s perception and detector AIs. Remote assistance To enable remote operation where necessary, the LTE modems used in Sparse Maps also ensure a reliable connection with plentiful bandwidth between each truck and its home base. “We bond different channels using several SIM cards from a variety of providers, and we spread our modems’ signals across those,” Wendel says. “That gives us more bandwidth, better reception and overall better reliability of our video, telemetry and control links, to the point that we can quickly update all our software and maps over the air. “Those links are fused together on the back end, so all the packets sent and received through them come together at a central point before being passed to off-board systems.” As well as being on standby for emergencies, the operator can also remotely set new destinations if requested by a customer or traffic authority for example, and answer ‘questions’ that the truck generates during unusual situations beyond those the AI has recorded in previous instances of certain routes. “We’ve programmed the Kodiak Driver to output questions in instances that are strange but not always critical,” Wendel explains. “For example, the truck might ask its remote assistant, ‘I’m stuck in a single line of traffic on the highway, which is unusual. Should I go around or wait for the cars in front to move?’ The operations team can then look at the camera feed and make a judgement call. “These kinds of edge cases are what we expect remote assistance to be most helpful with.” Multiple layers of security are built into the data links and remote systems, including encryption of comms, automated authentication and authorisation systems, along with a signed boot process as part of the software. Cybersecurity standards such as ISO 21434 provide key guidance to Kodiak’s engineers. Power Little of Kodiak’s r&d has gone into the powertrain, aside from selecting components with sufficient interfacing capabilities. The engine for instance comes from Cummins, which through Kodiak’s feedback provided a usable interface to the X15 engine, a 15 litre, turbocharged I6 running on diesel and a four-stroke cycle. This is housed in the front of the Gen4’s cab, ahead of and beneath the windshield. More notable is the power management system, which is currently integrated on top of a system of batteries totalling 10 kWh to ensure consistent back-up electric power for the onboard electronics. It is a standard item on trucks for powering the cabin’s driver systems and heating. “The power management is also being continually developed to improve its redundancy, but right now it regulates the output power going to each sensor, actuator and computer to maximise efficiency and electrical safety,” Wendel adds. “And for both the current and next-gen power system, we’re working with Vicor, a leader in power management systems.” For additional safety during driving, Kodiak works closely with Bridgestone, which integrates its Smart Strain Sensors inside its tyres for gauging key parameters such as tyre pressure, tread wear and wheel axle load. Future plans The fifth-generation Kodiak truck does not yet have a specific release date, but it is expected to be unveiled sometime this year. As mentioned, outwardly it will bear a close resemblance to the Gen4. As the company moves more and more into commercial operations, it will increasingly offer trucks integrating the Kodiak Driver as a transportation service (called Kodiak Express), with payment linked to the mileage requested. Also, in about 2025 the company anticipates starting to offer Kodiak Driver product kit for companies to integrate it into their own trucks. Kodiak would continue providing remote monitoring, maintenance, network updates and technical support – while still offering autonomous mileage-as- a-service – to enable the companies to focus on their core activities. Although the Gen5’s development roadmap is well-defined, the company recognises that additional opportunities might arise outside this central focus. Wendel notes for instance that the Kodiak Driver could be applied to other vehicles, meaning autonomous vans, buses, coaches, off-road military vehicles and more could figure in the company’s future. We want to focus on trucking first though,” he says. “It’s the harshest operating environment for the Driver to be put through, and if we can show repeatedly that it works on a truck, that’ll be the proof that it works on any vehicle. And we don’t want to be stuck in theoretical r&d for different types of self- driving vehicle for years when we already have a viable product.” Uncrewed Systems Technology | February/March 2023 Chassis: PACCAR Simulation and testing tools: Applied Intuition Test data handling and labelling: Scale AI Autonomy hardware platform: Nvidia Camera data processors: Ambarella Forward Lidars: Luminar Side and rear Lidars: Hesai Radars: ZF Powertrain: Cummins Power management: Vicor Tyre strain sensors: Bridgestone Some key suppliers