Country for PR: United Kingdom
Contributor: PR Newswire Europe
Thursday, August 05 2021 - 17:00
AsiaNet
Piaggio Fast Forward Develops New Sensor Technology for Consumer and Enterprise Robots and for Motorcycle and Scooter Safety (ARAS)
TEL AVIV, Israel, Aug. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/--

Highlights: 
- Piaggio Fast Forward (PFF) reveals trailblazing sensor technology for 
consumer and business robots as well as motorcycles and scooters 
- Piaggio Group motorcycles and scooters featuring an innovative sensor 
technology package developed, built and supplied by PFF including 4D imaging 
radar provided by Vayyar expected to debut in 2022 with PFF robots launching in 
late 2021 
- Vayyar Imaging, the global leader in 4D imaging radar, supplying the RoC 
(Radar-on-Chip) for the sensor package developed, built and supplied by PFF for 
mass production in Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS) and robots 
Piaggio Fast Forward (PFF), the Boston-based robotics company and a leader in 
smart following technology, has developed new sensor technology for 
implementation not only in consumer and business robots but also in scooters 
and motorcycles. 

Founded in 2015 by the Piaggio Group, PFF has previously focused on advancing 
innovation in smart following technology and smart behavior implementation in 
robots and machines, but in a strategic decision last year, began developing a 
custom radar sensor module for use first in Piaggio Group motorcycles and 
scooters with the intention to provide the technology to other companies in the 
future. 

PFF's hardware-software modules offer uncompromising safety by providing robust 
monitoring in all environmental and lighting conditions. PFF awarded a supply 
contract for the modules' Radar-on-Chip to Vayyar Imaging, marking the 
deployment of the industry's first ever 4D imaging radar-based motorcycle 
safety platform. The complete sensor package is developed, built and supplied 
by PFF for mass production in Piaggio Group motorcycles' Advanced Rider 
Assistance Systems (ARAS). 

ARAS applications are on the front line of the battle to prevent collisions and 
protect motorcycle riders. ARAS technology meets the rigorous technological 
requirements of traditional driver assist functions, addressing additional 
motorcycle-specific challenges such as size constraints and seamless vehicle 
maneuverability at high-tilt angles. 

The PFF modules use Vayyar's mmWave 4D imaging Radar-on-Chip (RoC) sensor, 
enabling multiple ARAS functions such as Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane 
Change Assist (LCA) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with a single sensor 
supporting a range of over 100m, and an ultra-wide field-of-view. PFF robots 
incorporating the radar technology are expected to be  released at the end of 
2021, with Piaggio Group motorcycle models equipped with the PFF sensor module 
launching in 2022. 

"PFF is creating advanced technology products for robots and motorcycles that 
detect and measure objects in our surroundings to provide the information we 
need for mapping, object detection, and control, regardless of lighting, 
weather and other environmental factors. We have chosen to develop our sensing 
applications with Vayyar's 4D imaging radar technology. We are excited to work 
with such a professional, passionate team, to develop innovative new solutions 
that provide our customers with a better product experience." Greg Lynn, CEO at 
Piaggio Fast Forward. 

The Vayyar 4D imaging radar technology being used in both PFF robots and PFF 
sensing modules developed for the motorcycle industry supports a large Multiple 
Input Multiple Output (MIMO) array that enables ultra-high resolution point 
cloud imaging for holistic monitoring of a robot's and a vehicle's 
surroundings. This high-performance sensor incorporates sophisticated 
single-chip 4D imaging radar technology, featuring an ultra-wide field of view 
(both in azimuth and elevation) with no dead zones, detecting and tracking 
multiple targets. Its small form-factor is engineered to address the unique 
challenges of motorcycle and robotics design. 

"We're very excited to partner with PFF, who are at the forefront of sensor 
technology, both in terms of harmonization with rider experience on two- and 
three-wheeled products, as well as application in their innovative robots. 
Motorcycle riders are among the most vulnerable road users, and this is a big 
step forward in reducing their risk of collision," says Ilan Hayat, Director of 
Business Development at Vayyar Imaging. "Regardless of vehicle type, rider 
safety should not be compromised, and by partnering with PFF we are thrilled to 
deliver an automotive standard of safety to motorcycles", added Hayat. 

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1587161/Vayyar.jpg 

Source: Vayyar
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