ST. CLOUD, MN, May 15, 2019 /CNW/ - (TSX: NFI) New Flyer of
America Inc. ("New Flyer"), a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc. ("NFI"),
the largest bus manufacturer in North
America, today announced an exclusive partnership with
Robotic Research, LLC ("Robotic Research") to advance autonomous
bus technology through developing and deploying advanced
driver-assistance systems ("ADAS") in heavy-duty transit bus
applications.
New Flyer, North America's
industry leader in zero-emission electric bus deployments, invested
over two years assessing world-leading technology providers for
sophisticated autonomous vehicle development. New Flyer ultimately
selected Robotic Research based on the company's proven,
industry-leading, artificial intelligence-based technology, coupled
with its extensive experience delivering successful Level 5
autonomous vehicle applications for customers within the defense
and intelligence community, including the U.S. Department of
Defense.
"New Flyer has a proud history of leading innovation, industry
firsts, and technology advancement in public transportation," said
Chris Stoddart, President, New
Flyer. "Our ADAS vision supports the mobility needs of all
Americans relying on public transit for safe and reliable
transportation every day. Partnering with Robotic Research furthers
our commitment to utilize the best expertise and technology
available, while reaffirming our responsibility to work with
regulators and stakeholders on standards and test protocols that
integrate automated vehicles safely into the existing
transportation system."
The partnership between New Flyer and Robotic Research will
pursue development of an Xcelsior CHARGE™ battery-electric bus
equipped with Society of Automotive Engineers ("SAE") Standard
J3016 Level 4 ADAS technology. SAE J3016 Level 4 is defined as high
automation where the vehicle performs all driving tasks
autonomously while actively monitoring the driving environment. The
technology will be tested at Robotic Research facilities in late
2019, with closed course operation anticipated for 2020. To
simulate realistic public transit applications, a trained onboard
safety attendant will be utilized for evaluation and
demonstration.
"We are extremely excited to be partnering with New Flyer to
help usher in a new future for public transportation that offers
greater safety for the public and reduced carbon emissions for our
environment," said Edward Mottern,
Vice President of Robotic Research. "'New Flyer's clear commitment
to investing in both of these outcomes by harnessing the power of
the latest technologies available, together with their leadership
in public transportation, make them an outstanding partner of
choice."
Robotic Research is a privately held, U.S.-based innovative
engineering and technology company providing software, robotic
technology, and autonomous solutions to commercial and government
customers. Its testing facilities are located in Gaithersburg and Clarksburg, Maryland.
"Over the past 24 months of working together, we have witnessed
that New Flyer's engineering processes, values and validation
approach to technology is strongly aligned for a successful
outcome," added Mottern. "From the onset, both companies agreed
safety and workforce training considerations would guide our
collaborative development approach. The team is looking forwards to
demonstrating the technology in a multitude of pilot programs being
funded around the US and other countries."
New Flyer's significant investment in ADAS technology builds on
a history marked with advancements transit innovation. In 2017, New
Flyer opened its Vehicle Innovation Center, the first and only
innovation lab of its kind in North
America dedicated to the advancement of bus and coach
technology. Since opening, the VIC has welcomed over 1,500
attendees through its doors for industry-wide collaboration,
education, and workforce development related to zero-emission,
connected, and automated vehicle technologies.
With the announcement of its Robotic Research partnership, New
Flyer further supports the Federal Transit Administration ("FTA")
Strategic Transit Automation Research Plan to assess potential
risks, barriers and mitigation strategies associated with the
implementation of automation technologies in transit buses. This
plan also adopts SAE J3016 levels and definitions.
In March 2019, New Flyer was
invited by U.S. Secretary of Transportation ("USDOT") Elaine Chao to participate alongside
transportation industry leaders in critical discussions regarding
automation adoption and workforce development, in coordination with
the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Commerce, and U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services.
New Flyer remains focused on supporting industry dialogue,
workforce development and advancement toward technology standards
that deliver safe, clean, sustainable, connected mobility options
to transit agencies, operators, passengers and communities across
North America.
For more information about the Vehicle Innovation Center, visit
newflyer.com/VIC.
For more information about Robotic Research, visit
roboticresearch.com.
About NFI
With over 6,300 team members, operating from 31 facilities
across Canada and the United States, NFI is North America's largest bus manufacturer
providing a comprehensive suite of mass transportation solutions
under brands: New Flyer® (heavy-duty transit buses),
ARBOC® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses),
MCI® (motor coaches), and NFI Parts™ (parts, support,
and service). NFI buses incorporate the widest range of drive
systems available including: clean diesel, natural gas,
diesel-electric hybrid, and zero-emission electric (trolley,
battery, and fuel cell) on proven bus platforms. It also supports
infrastructure development through New Flyer Infrastructure
Solutions™, a service dedicated to providing safe and reliable
charging and mobility solutions. In total, NFI supports over 74,000
buses and coaches currently in service across North America. For the fiscal year ended
December 30, 2018, NFI posted
revenues of US $2.5 billion. NFI
common shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the
symbol NFI. News and information are available at
www.nfigroup.com.
About New Flyer
New Flyer is North America's
heavy-duty transit bus leader and offers the most advanced product
line under the Xcelsior® and Xcelsior CHARGE™ brands. It
also offers infrastructure development through New Flyer
Infrastructure Solutions™, a service dedicated to providing safe,
sustainable, and reliable charging and mobility solutions. New
Flyer actively supports over 41,000 heavy-duty transit buses (New
Flyer, NABI, and Orion) currently in service, of which 7,300 are
powered by electric motors and battery propulsion and 1,600 are
zero-emission. Further information is available at
www.newflyer.com.
About Robotic Research
Robotic Research, LLC, is a leading provider of autonomy
software and robotic technology and solutions driving the
transformation of commercial and government autonomous operations
through innovative and intelligent systems. Whether providing
autonomous vehicles to the military to keep the warfighter safe;
delivering unmanned, transformable robots to extend the reach of
Special Forces units; or making commercial transportation safer and
more efficient, Robotic Research is leading this dynamic revolution
in technology. To learn more about Robotic Research, visit
www.roboticresearch.com/ and follow on Twitter and
LinkedIn.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements
relating to expected future events and financial and operating
results of the NFI that involve risks and uncertainties. Although
the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are
based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions,
investors cannot be assured that actual results will be consistent
with these forward-looking statements, and the differences may be
material. Actual results may differ materially from management
expectations as projected in such forward-looking statements for a
variety of reasons, including those risks and uncertainties
discussed in the materials filed with the Canadian securities
regulatory authorities and available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Due
to the potential impact of these factors, NFI disclaims any
intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events
or otherwise, unless required by applicable law.
SOURCE New Flyer of America Inc.