Ellipse-D powering a self-driving truck

We all know that accidents happen on the road mainly because of mistakes by drivers, bad weather, or problems with the vehicle itself.

But what if we could make vehicles drive on their own, avoiding these accidents?  That’s the idea behind self-driving vehicles, and the University of Waterloo’s Mechatronic Vehicle Systems (MVS) Lab is working on a project called WATonoTruck (WATerloo atonomous Truck).

It’s a self-driving flatbed truck designed for heavy material handling, farming, and service applications. It uses advanced control methods to understand how the truck moves, especially in dangerous places or if something in the truck isn’t working right.

The lab aims to extend the application of autonomous vehicle technology beyond passenger transportation. They want to use it in other industries like agriculture, mining, and shipping, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing operational downtime.

Meet WATonoTruck

A truck that doesn’t need a driver – that’s WATonoTruck! It is a self-driving flatbed truck with independent wheel drive and steering system. It is built on the corner module (CM) platform.

The CMs were developed with modular vehicle design in mind and can be installed on any chassis in any configuration. Each CM is effectively a one-wheel electric vehicle with its own control unit along with independent drive, brake, steering, and suspension systems.

This makes the truck super smart and adaptable to any application and terrain.

WATonoTruck empowered by Ellipse-D

As a leader in high-precision positioning and navigation solutions, we are proud to collaborate with the University of Waterloo’s Mechatronic Vehicle Systems Lab.

The key technology provided by us is Ellipse-D, a dual antenna RTK INS, which offers unparalleled accuracy in position and heading. This level of precision is crucial for autonomous navigation, ensuring the safe and accurate movement of WATonoTruck even in challenging environments.

Ellipse-D (3rd generation), LiDAR sensors, and advanced cameras- this comprehensive sensor suite enables real-time environment mapping, obstacle detection, and path planning.

Through our sponsorship, the lab’s development of WATonoTruck gains vital support in terms of high-precision ensuring Motion and Navigation they can trust.

This collaborative endeavor not only contributes to the successful development of WATonoTruck but also promotes the growth of autonomous vehicle applications across industries, driving innovation and safety in transportation and beyond.