Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash
Germany Tests Self-Driving Vehicles With Passengers For The First Time
- Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
Germany deployed the first self-driving cars operating on level 4 automation with passengers in the public transportation network on Monday. The project, KIRA, led by railway operator Deutsche Bahn, allows users to request an autonomous vehicle through a mobile app.
In a rush? Here are the quick facts:
- This Monday, Germany deployed the first self-driving cars with passengers in the public transportation network.
- Users can request an autonomous vehicle from the KIRA app.
- The German government expects to expand services across more cities.
According to DPA International , residents in the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region can now order a driverless car via the KIRA app, in a similar way to requesting an Uber. During the trial phase, however, a safety supervisor will be on board, ready to intervene in case of emergency.
The KIRA vehicles had been deployed before on multiple tests, but this is the first time the self-driving cars will be carrying passengers at automation Level 4—without drivers— in Germany.
Deutsche Bahn explained that the new service will begin near the Frankfurt area, but that they expect to expand the services to more cities and towns soon—Egelsbach, Langen, and Darmstadt are among the next destinations.
“Autonomous driving is a key technology for innovative, eco-friendly, and accessible mobility. In the long run, it should be in regular operation throughout Germany,” said Patrick Schnieder, Federal Minister of Transport, in a press release .
“With our support for the KIRA project, we want to excite citizens about this technology: people can be picked up and transported conveniently by autonomous shuttles. This way, we make autonomous driving a tangible experience and demonstrate how this form of mobility can improve quality of life in the region.”
The German Transport Ministry invested €2.2 million—around $2.5 million—in the project and is now encouraging citizens to participate. Those interested in testing autonomous vehicles must register through KIRA’s website.
Germany is joining the growing list of countries exploring robotaxi services . China and the United States have been leading the way, with hundreds of robotaxis already deployed in multiple cities. More recently, Waymo began testing its services in Japan .
Photo by Jeffery Ho on Unsplash
Humanoid Robot Test Skills In World’s First Robot Kickboxing Competition
- Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
The world’s first robot kickboxing competition took place in Hangzhou, China, last Sunday. Four humanoid robots developed by the Chinese startup Unitree Robotics showcased their fighting skill during the event organized by China Media Group.
In a rush? Here are the quick facts:
- Four humanoid robots developed by Unitree participated in the world’s first robot kickboxing competition.
- The event was broadcast by CCTV, and robots performed in front of a live audience.
- Unitree G1 models demonstrated their coordination, stability, speed, and punching abilities.
According to South China Morning Post , the competition was broadcast by China Central Television (CCTV), giving the robotics company an opportunity to demonstrate its robot‘s capabilities and skills in front of a live audience.
The humanoid machines—Unitree G1 models, which stand 130 centimeters tall and weigh 35 kilograms—demonstrated their coordination, stability, speed, and punching abilities. During the fight, the robots wore protective gear and were controlled by humans using voice commands and remote controls.
“The [machine’s] operation, including keeping balance and making movements, is powered by a set of algorithms,” said Liu Tai, deputy chief engineer at China Telecommunication Technology Labs and commentator at the CCTV broadcast.
The event included matches and fighting demonstrations in two-minute rounds. The robots began by warming up and then fighting in the refereed matches, keeping balance when pushed, and hitting back at their opponents.
The kickboxing competition took place just a few weeks after the world’s first half marathon featuring both humans and robots , in which multiple robotics companies participated. More events featuring humanoid robots are expected later this year.
Beyond entertainment, this type of event allows tech companies to demonstrate advances in robotics and the capabilities of humanoid robots developed by the leading companies in the industry during these competitive times.
