Selenium uses a GPS-free approach, where the vehicle’s environment is mapped using a patented laser and vision-based system. The technology automatically detects and removes 3D objects from point clouds in real time, creating an accurate picture of the car’s surroundings. This means the system can operate indoors, outdoors, and underground, with vehicles capable of autonomous operation in both pedestrianised areas and open stretches of road such as motorways.
Oxbotica recently unveiled a purpose built concept vehicle to showcase the driverless technology at Culham Science Centre in Oxfordshire, the video of which can be seen below.
In combination with the laser and vision-based system, Selenium also relies on patented algorithms developed in house by Oxbotica’s team of mathematicians, scientists and engineers.
“Selenium represents the culmination of about 130 person years’ worth of work in mobile autonomy, said Oxbotica CEO Dr Graeme Smith.
“Selenium is an important chapter in the ever-changing story of autonomous vehicles. As a result of the team’s hard work on Selenium, our customers are able to take full advantage of the benefits on offer from this futuristic technology today rather than tomorrow.”
According to Oxbotica, Selenium is ‘vehicle agnostic’ and could be used on cars, driverless pods, or fleets of warehouse trucks. The technology is set to be deployed at a series of upcoming driverless trials, including the £8 million GATEway project in Greenwich and the LUTZ Pathfinder self-driving pod project in Milton Keynes.
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