2022
Grant of European Patent
We are very pleased that recently a European Patent was granted for MWLC’s unique approach to autonomous driving. The European Patent EP3473981, titled “System for controlling a self-driving vehicle and method for training the system”, protects MWLC’s technology which is based on the use of visual (camera) input only for the control of a vehicle. Our technology does not require maps or expensive sensors.
Contact us at mwlc@mwlc.global to learn more about our technology. We are happy to discuss software/technology licensing. You can buy a robot vehicle and software at RobotShop (https://lnkd.in/gTN6kx8U) and start using our technology straight away.
Mobile World Congress 2022, Barcelona
Our software for tele-operation and autonomous movement of unmanned vehicles featured in a surveillance use case presented by Jacob Groote, EVP at KPN at the Mobile World Congress 2022 in Barcelona. Click here for video
2021
Orkney to pilot MWLC technology
HITRANS, the Highlands and Islands Regional Transport Partnership, commissioned a project for testing of electric autonomous vehicles (AVs) in Orkney. The use will be evaluated of small AVs for logistics and freight purposes, such as the transport of general supplies, luggage, parcels, waste and other goods. These AVs move at walking pace.
By replacing fuel-powered delivery trucks and vans by autonomous electric vehicles, we can provide a safe, profitable and clean solution for routine freight transport tasks in rural areas such as the Orkney Islands. For this solution MWLC, who supply the AVs, received the Efficient Solutions Label awarded by the Solar Impulse Foundation.
The project will provide an opportunity for familiarisation with innovative technologies, promotion of uptake of electric vehicles, and collection of data on impact and benefits of AVs for emission free and safe transport of goods. Work is ongoing currently to select a shortlist of potential routes for the AVs in Orkney which will then be consulted upon with the relevant stakeholders and authorities.
Trialling a small AV allows for the process to be scaled up following learnings from the project, with all stakeholders having gained knowledge and expertise on the technology and other aspects of the deployment of AVs.
Read Orkney Islands Council press release.
Autonomous delivery vehicles and pedestrians
Although several studies have explored people’s opinions on small autonomous delivery vehicles, these have all been on the basis of hypothetical interactions. This study is the first in exploring people’s opinions after having unexpectedly encountered a seemingly autonomous sidewalk delivery vehicle. Better insights in how pedestrians react to such vehicles is necessary to ensure a smooth integration of these vehicles into society. Read research papers.
Ongoing collaboration Fontys University of Applied Sciences
Students of Fontys Hogeschool ICT, part of Fontys University of Applied Sciences have been working with an MWLC robot to develop an autonomous monitoring robot. In addition to MWLC and Fontys, also Here Technologies and Sorama collaborate on the project. You can read about their work here and see their demo
2020
StartupUtrecht puts the spotlight on MWLC.
You can read the full article here (in Dutch)
MWLC delivers autonomous vehicle to Fontys University of Applied Sciences
Utrecht, The Netherlands.—September 10 , 2020— MWLC BV delivered one of their innovative autonomous vehicles to Fontys Hogeschool ICT, which is one of the institutes of Fontys University of Applied Sciences in the Southern part of the Netherlands. Fontys will use the autonomous vehicle for education and for applied research. The vehicle will be used as a platform for integration of novel sensor technologies to create autonomous mobile inspection and surveillance solutions.
MWLC’s autonomous vehicle uses revolutionary vision-based machine-learning software. This allows for the cost-effective autonomous movement of unmanned electric vehicles in outdoor and indoor environments without the need for changes to infrastructure. Using a vision-only approach, it makes obsolete the use of multiple sensors, lidar, radar, 3D HD maps and object recognition as a basis for issuing driving instructions to a vehicle.
Teade Punter, professor and lecturer at Fontys University of Applied Science and heading the research group ‘High Tech Embedded Software’ commented: “we conduct applied research on how to teach software development for smart systems. A mobile robot is an important example of a smart system. It is a platform to practice with new technologies, especially when it comes to autonomous driving. MWLC’s autonomous robot platform provides us an exciting new product with features that allows us to focus on the software development.
Tech4Islands
Sustainable transport solutions for island communities by deploying small autonomous vehicles for the transport of all goods, luggage and waste.
MWLC participates in EU-funded international research into technology, organisation and business case for remotely operated transport in logistics and transportation.
The international research project ‘5G-Blueprint’, a public-private partnership involving parties from the Netherlands, Flanders, Switzerland and the Czech Republic, is to receive a grant of 10 million euros from the European Union. The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, together with, among others, the Flemish Department for Mobility and Public Works, North Sea Port and Port of Antwerp, the business community and academic sector, has set up a consortium of 28 parties. Together they are investigating how to increase the efficiency of transport and logistics – also across borders – using ‘tele-operation’ technology.
The 5G-Blueprint project starts on 1 September 2020 and will run for three years. The grant is being awarded as part of the EU’s ‘Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation’ programme.
The parties involved will investigate how real-time data exchange from and to vehicles, between terminals and vehicles and between vehicles and control rooms can help boost efficiency in the supply chain and compensate for driver shortages through the remote operation and support of vehicles and vessels. This is expected to not only improve the accessibility of the important –North Sea Port (Vlissingen – Terneuzen – Gent) – Antwerp logistics corridor, but also to increase employment and strengthen the competitive position. The use of new 5G telecommunication technology is instrumental in these plans.
New standard
The Blueprint project involves an investigation into digital technologies and telecommunication possibilities and examines issues such as security, costs and benefits, allocation of responsibilities, cooperation and standardisation. The insights and lessons from this three-year project will be applied directly in this region wherever possible. But they are also important as a new standard and working method – as a blueprint – for other domains and sectors.
Collaboration
The 5G-Blueprint project expands the collaboration between the Netherlands and Flanders. A great deal of knowledge and experience is already being shared as part of current programmes on intelligent traffic lights, Talking Traffic and Mobilidata. The management and further development of standards will also be designed jointly.
The participating parties are: the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (including the Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management), Martel Innovate, HZ University of Applied Sciences, Sentors, Economische Impuls Zeeland, Locatienet, Swarco Nederland, KPN, V-Tron, Hogeschool Arnhem Nijmegen, Sweco Nederland, Telenet, imec, Be-Mobile, the Flemish Department for Mobility and Public Works (including Agency for Roads and Traffic), Room40, Port of Antwerp, Nxtport, Eurofiber, Kloosterboer, More Work Less Carbon, RoboAuto, Seafar, Verbrugge International, Toyota Motor Europe, Transport Joosen, North Sea Port and Terberg Benschop.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 952189. Please find the EU’s own press release here.
Solar Impulse Foundation recognises MWLC for efficient, clean and profitable solution with a positive impact on environment and quality of life
The Solar Impulse Foundation has announced that MWLC solution – Autonomous Freight Transport – has been awarded the Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Label. Following a rigorous assessment by independent experts the Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Label has been awarded for the deployment of networks of small autonomous electric vehicles.
The Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Label awards efficient, clean and profitable solutions with a positive impact on environment and quality of life. In collaboration with renowned institutions, Solutions applying to the Label must go through a neutral and certified methodology based on Credibility of Concept, Scalability, Environmental benefits, Client’s economic incentive and Seller’s profitability.
MWLC and the OFoundation join forces in the fight against COVID-19.
The Ofoundation and MWLC work together to try and give people the opportunity to build and deploy a small autonomous delivery robot to provide other people with their daily necessities. With the autonomous robot, groceries and medication can be picked up and delivered without physical contact. The initiative is also featured by Techleap. Instructions how to build the robot are available on the internet. Start building!
MWLC’s Autonomous Vehicle for delivery and inspection draws lots of attention at MOVE2020 in London (11-12 Feb)
2019
MWLC’s Autonomous Vehicle AAV04 leads the way (13 Dec)!
MWLC’s AAV04 using proprietary end to end deep learning software was deployed successfully to show VIPs to their meeting location.
MWLC is awarded membership of Connekt Network (26 Nov).
On 26 November MWLC participated in the Connekt Affiliation Final 2019. As part of the event there were 1-on-1 sessions with members of the Connect Network. Selected by Connekt members from KPN and TU Delft, MWLC was awarded a 2 year affiliate Connekt membership. MWLC expect significant benefit from participating in the network with its more than 500 global partners. Connekt Network focusses on smart, sustainable and social mobility.
Goederen vervoeren lukt de robotauto al heel aardig (Volkskrant Technieuws, 9 nov).
Terwijl de autonome personenauto vertraging heeft opgelopen, lijkt autonoom transport wel goed op weg. Op Ameland reed al een veelbelovend robotkarretje rond.
MWLC Joins NVIDIA Inception Programme (9 Oct).
MWLC BV today announced it has joined the NVIDIA Inception program as a community member. The Inception program is designed to nurture startups revolutionizing industries with advancements in AI and data sciences.
Gemeente Ameland juicht het initiatief van MWLC uit Utrecht toe! (1 Oct)
Het softwarebedrijf MWLC wil zelfrijdend transport uitproberen in samenwerking met vishandel Metz uit Nes op Ameland. De gemeente Ameland juicht het initiatief toe.
MWLC at @NORTH Festival, Assen, NL (26 Sept).
MWLC attended the @North festival in Assen, the Netherlands and successfully delivered a driving demonstration with its proprietary software installed on an autonomous vehicle; participated in a panel discussion; and handed over an application for a permit under the Dutch Experimenteerwet.
Potential of MWLC’s proprietary software recognised (24 June)
The potential of MWLC’s proprietary software to help realise significant CO2 emission reduction is being recognised as measure #6 of Urgenda’s 40 point plan.
Test autonomous vehicle Ameland, NL (11 April)
MWLC successfully carried out demonstrations with its proprietary software that uses only visual input to enable autonomous driving.