Autonomous vehicles of all shapes, sizes and types are set to showcase the latest technology to delegates attending the 4th International Driverless Vehicle Summit (IDVS4).
Australian and New Zealand Driverless Vehicle Initiative (ADVI) Executive Director Rita Excell said this year’s summit will bring together leading international and Australian talent, to showcase best-practice and spark debate on what needs to be done to transition to widespread commercialisation of the exciting technology.
“This is the first time the event is being held in Sydney, and this year’s summit is going to be bigger and better than ever before,” Ms Excell said.
“A combination of standout keynote speakers and having the very latest autonomous vehicles being put through their paces will make IDVS4 an occasion to remember, and showcase that Australia is well and truly open for business.”
According to Ms Excell, the autonomous vehicle industry is estimated to add $7 trillion to the global economy, and has the potential to save hundreds of thousands of lives.
“We must take active steps to claim our fair share of what is a 21st-century gold rush moment, and IDVS4 will reinforce that plenty needs to be done if we want that to happen,” Ms Excell said.
“The themes set to be explored will cover the entire driverless vehicle ecosystem, including road safety, certification and regulation, insurance, human centric design, shared and on-demand transport, human machine interface and transformation of the urban environment and road networks.”
Registrations open Sunday 27th October, followed by a gala opening night celebration.
The technical program kicks off Monday 28th October, with delegates to be welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and NSW Transport and Roads Minister Andrew Constance.
“One of the most exciting demonstrations will be a fully autonomous race car built by the students of the Monash University Motorsport team,” Ms Excell said.
“The team will present the driverless M19-D electric vehicle, which has been in development for over three years, with involvement from over 200 undergraduate students. The M19-D is able to detect a racetrack and perceive its environment in real time, as well as use a stereoscopic camera system that uses artificial technology to perceive distance in a similar way the human eye does.”
Autonomous car company NAVYA will also be offering the opportunity to ride on one of three autonomous shuttles during the summit.
“NAVYA has had a great impact on the safe and successful introduction of driverless vehicles into Australia and New Zealand with various test beds currently running,” Ms Excell said.
In 2017, Australia was ranked third in the uptake of Autonomous Vehicle technology worldwide, largely due to NAVYA and its local partners RAC and HMI.
In practise most of the on road Autonomous trials in Australia are currently using NAVYA vehicles.
ADVI will survey generation Z within an online public opinion survey relating to AV in Australia, making use of a social media platform.
“The survey will give generation Z a platform to voice their opinions about the decision being made that will impact their future. The survey will be discussed at the ADVI International Summit,” Ms Excell said.
“The project will allow ADVI to deliver on its manifesto by undertaking independent research to assist partners and the community to better understand the opportunities and barriers to the introduction of this technology.”
A number of plenary sessions will cover a range of topics including global trends in AV research, customer experiences and security and safety technology matters.
Afternoon sessions will explore the influence of drone technology as a transport option, car sharing predictions and how infrastructure needs to keep pace with AV technology advancements.
On Tuesday, 29th October, industry preparedness will be put under the microscope, with Volvo teaming up with Navya for a highlight discussion.
Delegates will also be able to choose from plenary sessions that include a presentation from AEV Robotics, as well as an outline on why Australia remains a global leader from Seeing Machines and Cohda Wireless.
“The remainder of the final day’s program includes a focus on truck automation and the future of freight, with an expert panel including global level four truck automation company Tu Simple, assembled to examine the pathway to commercialisation of this transformative technology whether it be truck platooning or self-driving trucks,” Ms Excell said.
“In addition to networking opportunities, an exhibition hall ensures delegates can speak with leading manufacturers, developers and driverless vehicle experts, and see the latest technologies on display, including the NSW debut of Matilda – the world’s first portable connected bus stops and transit hub developed by SAGE Automation.”
Additionally, the Olympic Park forecourt and surrounding streets will see a wide range of driverless vehicles technologies on display, providing delegates and the public with an opportunity to experience emerging technologies first-hand.
Keynote international speakers attending IDVS4 include:
- Randell Iwasaki, Executive Director of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority in California.
- Tom Alkim, Policy Officer, Connected and Automated driving with the European Commission.
- Niels De Boor, Program Director for CETRAN, which is tasked to support AV testing and deployment in Singapore.
- Navya Global leaders in Shuttle deployments.
- Habib Shamskhou, co-founder of the GoMentum Station Program in Northern California.
- Anthony Riemann, Director of Urban Mobility for GM International.
- Dr Fengmin Gong, Head of DiDi Labs in North America.
More about the program and speakers can be found here.
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