DETROIT (December 9, 2020) — Ushr Inc., the leading HD map company for autonomous driving, is pleased to have been awarded ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management system.
ISO 9001:2015 is a globally recognized quality management standard developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The certification provides a model for companies of all types and sizes to use in building an effective quality management system.
The standard is based on several quality management principles, including having a strong customer focus, the motivation and implication of top management, the process approach and continual improvement.
Ushr’s ISO 9001:2015 certificate (#13132937) was issued by Platinum Registration, Inc., an accredited management system certification body. The scope of Ushr’s certification includes the leadership, financial control, program management and software development of map data for autonomous vehicles at Ushr’s U.S. headquarters (38695 West Seven Mile Road, Ste 110, Livonia, MI 48152, United States) and the collection, processing, and software development of map data for autonomous vehicles at Ushr’s Lompoc location (137 West Central Avenue, Lompoc, CA 93436, United States).
“Working toward this ISO certification demonstrates our commitment to delivering the most accurate maps and software for autonomous driving in the world,” said Chris Thibodeau, CEO and President of Ushr. “In achieving this accreditation, Ushr’s expanding customer base now has added assurance that our products adhere to the highest quality standard.”
Ushr was presented with its ISO 9001:2015 certificate on November 20, 2020.
Ushr is the leading geospatial measurement and mapping company supplying HD maps and software for today’s semi-autonomous vehicles. Since 2017, Ushr’s precise HD Maps have powered hands-free highway driving that is uniquely safe and confident. Today, Ushr’s talented engineers are creating HD maps and software applications for the next wave of semi-autonomous vehicles. Ushr is headquartered in Livonia, Michigan with map operations in Lompoc, California. Ushr is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dynamic Map Platform, Japan’s foremost HD map producer.
For more information, please visit www.ushrauto.com.
Toyota Research Institute – Advanced Development, Inc. | Dynamic Map Platform Co., Ltd.
TOKYO & DETROIT (March 17, 2020) — On March 17th, 2020, Toyota Research Institute – Advanced Development, Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Dr. James Kuffner, “TRI-AD”) and Dynamic Map Platform Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, President: Hiroyuki Inahata, “DMP”) have agreed to a partnership to build a proof of concept (“PoC”) applying the technologies of both companies starting April 2020. This PoC aims to demonstrate the efficient update of DMP’s high definition (“HD”) maps by using TRI-AD’s open software platform, Automated Mapping Platform (“AMP”) to detect and process changes in lane-level road features based on images and other data collected from vehicle sensors.
Demand for high-accuracy and high-quality HD maps for automated driving has been growing with the increased use of automated driving and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). It is essential for map building to capture changes in roadway attributes accurately and quickly, and update the maps with high efficiency. The conventional approach detects lane-level changes through on-site surveys using expensive survey vehicles and typically based on planned road construction notices. In this PoC, TRI-AD’s image recognition technology automatically detects changes based on image data collected by commonly available cameras. By helping focus the survey fleet only on areas of change as they occur, it is expected to demonstrate a significant reduction in the cost of operating the fleet and an acceleration of the map update to users including automotive manufacturers.
TRI-AD and DMP will demonstrate the ability to update DMP’s HD maps with an improved efficiency using the automatic change detection technology by TRI-AD’s AMP based on images and other data of roadways in Japan. Aiming to start operation from fiscal year 2021, this PoC will study methods to further improve the frequency of HD map updates, and consider the use of AMP to update map data by Ushr, Inc. (a DMP Group company) that supplies its HD maps in North America.
Mandali Khalesi, Vice President of Automated Driving at TRI-AD said:
“I am delighted to collaborate with DMP, an industry leader in the development and management of high-quality HD maps through automotive manufacturers collaboration, on a map update system using AMP technology. This collaboration enables us to provide up-to-date map data for automotive manufacturers and other users, and accelerate technology development for AMP. Through this PoC, TRI-AD hopes to be able to offer safe and secure automated driving technology to users across the world.”
Hiroyuki Inahata, President at DMP said:
“DMP Group is the leading supplier of HD maps for passenger vehicles in Japan and North America because of its exceptional data accuracy. Now, we seek to maximize the usability of mapped roads by capturing small changes in road elements. With TRI-AD’s AMP change detection technology, DMP Group can improve the coverage and cycle times of map updates. I also believe that this effort will help improve the map update service for all of our clients. We are excited to work together with TRI-AD to extend AMP to other automaker ecosystems. The result will be lower data acquisition costs and better HD map quality for everyone.”
Toyota Research Institute-Advanced Development, Inc. (TRI-AD), located in Tokyo, Japan, was founded in March 2018 for the purpose of developing innovative products that will enable Toyota’s vision, “Mobility for All.” TRI-AD’s mission is to create new technology and advanced safety systems for the world. TRI-AD also oversees Toyota’s newly announced Woven City, that will serve as an incubator for smart city design, connected mobility, and robotics technology from Toyota and its partners. For more information about TRI-AD, please visit: www.tri-ad.global
Dynamic Map Platform Co., Ltd. (DMP) develops and supplies HD maps with centimeter accuracy level essential for estimating the accurate position of the driving vehicle and achieving safe and comfortable driving. DMP acquired Ushr, Inc. and made it a wholly-owned subsidiary in April 2019 to develop and supply HD maps also in North America, in addition to Japan. https://www.dynamic-maps.co.jp/
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DMP Group to begin full-scale business deployment in North American market
DETROIT (June 26, 2019) —Dynamic Map Platform Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo Ward, Tokyo, CEO: Tsutomu Nakajima, “DMP”) has acquired all shares of US-based Ushr, Inc. (Headquarters: Michigan, USA, CEO: Chris Thibodeau, “Ushr”) and have completed all procedures required for the acquisition. DMP will hereby add Ushr as a group company and will begin to provide high definition 3D digital maps (“HD Maps”) of 15cm absolute accuracy and <1cm relative accuracy to a wide range of users, not only in the Japanese market but also in the North American market. DMP Group will further expand map coverage from highways to surface roads and from Japan and North America to other regions worldwide.
DMP Group’s HD Map is the only sensor which provides a near-ground truth measurements of road geometry and attribution in a cost-effective manner for mass production vehicles. General Motors integrated Ushr’s HD Map into its Super Cruise™ system, which itself was a first-to-market feature for passenger vehicles. Many other OEMs and suppliers are now considering integrating DMP Group HD Maps into their highly-automated driving systems.
Furthermore, autonomous shuttle manufacturing companies are also initiating the development of autonomous driving systems that incorporate DMP Group HD Maps both within and outside of Japan. Both DMP Group companies have advanced technical capabilities to provide HD Maps suitable for different mobility markets and will strive to meet evolving customer demands from the widespread adoption of advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving systems.
DMP Group will provide HD Maps across the spectrum of vehicles—personal, fleet, and commercial—as well as provide data for other uses including infrastructure management, maintenance, simulation and analytics, with the vision of becoming the leading provider of digital infrastructure data which serves as a foundation for a safe, smart, and seamless society.
Ushr, Inc., a DMP Group company, offers automotive manufacturers the most accurate, comprehensive and advanced high-definition map technology available on the market today. Located at the epicenter of automotive development in Detroit, Ushr’s technology and software are shaping the evolution of self-driving technology by providing customers with the reassurance that the paths upon which their vehicles travel are safe, smart and predictable. For more information, please visit www.ushrauto.com.
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Molly Merluzzi | [email protected]
Recognized for Collaboration with GM on the Super Cruise™ Highway Driving Feature
DETROIT (April 9, 2019) — Ushr Inc., creator of high-definition (HD) mapping technology and software for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles, was honored by Automotive News with a 2019 PACE Innovation Partnership Award for its collaboration with General Motors (GM) on the Super Cruise™ advanced driver assistance system for the highway.
The award was presented to Ushr and GM during the 25th annual ceremony on April 8, 2019, at the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center in Detroit. The PACE Awards are recognized around the world as industry benchmarks for innovation and are determined by a fully independent panel of judges.
“Having a detailed and precise map of the roadway is crucial for autonomous and semi-autonomous systems to drive hands-free safely, and GM was one of the first OEMs to recognize that,” said Bruce Gordon, CEO at Ushr. “It’s truly an honor to be recognized by Automotive News for our work in this space, and it inspires our team to keep working toward realizing the potential of autonomous vehicle control technology.”
When combined with real-time sensors, Ushr’s HD maps allow self-driving cars to operate on mapped roadways, providing precise lane centering, maintaining smooth control through curves and allowing the vehicle to safely anticipate roadway changes. With the implementation of its precision HD map platform on the Super Cruise system, Ushr became the first-to-market provider of HD mapping technology in an OEM production vehicle.
“General Motors has a strong relationship with Ushr through investments made by GM Ventures and collaboration by the engineers from both organizations,” said Jon Lauckner, General Motors Chief Technology Officer, VP R&D and President, GM Ventures. “Ushr’s high-definition LiDAR mapping technology plays an important role in the functionality of Super Cruise, the advanced driver assistance system for the highway, featured in the Cadillac CT6.”
The Innovation Partnership Award was presented to Ushr and GM for the outstanding level of collaboration between an OEM and supplier. Winners of this award are chosen from an in-depth review of the entire field of 34 PACE 2019 Finalists to identify higher than industry standard, truly excellent, levels of collaboration by an OEM.
For 25 years, the Automotive News PACE Awards have honored superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance among automotive suppliers.
Ushr, Inc. offers automotive manufacturers the most accurate, comprehensive and advanced high-definition map technology available on the market today. Located at the epicenter of automotive development in Detroit, Ushr’s technology and software are shaping the evolution of self-driving technology by providing customers with the reassurance that the paths their vehicles travel are safe, smart and predictable. For more information, please visit www.ushrauto.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Molly Merluzzi | [email protected]
Detroit-Based Startup Recognized for HD Mapping Technology for Autonomous Vehicles
DETROIT (June 8, 2018) — Ushr Inc., creator of high-definition (HD) mapping technology and software for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles, received the 2018 Newcomer of the Year Award at the TU-Automotive Awards in Detroit presented on June 5th, 2018. Judged by an array of top industry experts, the TU-Automotive Awards are considered the most anticipated and influential awards of the connected car industry.
When combined with real-time sensors, Ushr’s HD maps allow self-driving cars to operate on mapped roadways, provide precise lane centering, maintain smooth control through curves and allow the vehicle to safely anticipate roadway changes. With the implementation of its precision HD map platform in the new Cadillac Super Cruise™ hands-free highway-driving system, Ushr recently became the first-to-market provider of HD mapping technology in an OEM production vehicle.
“Automakers are increasingly recognizing the critical importance of having a detailed and precise map of the roadway on board their autonomous and semi-autonomous systems,” said Bruce Gordon, CEO at Ushr. “Ushr has precisely mapped every mile of limited-access highway in the U.S. and Canada. It’s an honor to be recognized among so many other innovators in the space.”
By interpreting and communicating street level detail, Ushr’s HD maps function much like a human driver’s memory of the road, providing autonomous vehicles with a long-range view that allows the vehicle to proactively anticipate roadway changes, instead of merely reacting to sensor inputs. Ushr is the only company that interprets and communicates road level detail to the vehicle control system to enable intelligent control decisions.
This year’s TU-Automotive Awards recognized established and emerging companies across 13 different categories; Ushr beat out seven other companies to take home the prize in the Newcomer of the Year category. The TU-Automotive Awards took place the day before the TU-Automotive Detroit Conference and Exhibition.
Ushr, Inc. offers automotive manufacturers the most accurate, comprehensive and advanced high-definition map technology available on the market today. Located at the epicenter of automotive development in Detroit, Ushr’s technology and software are shaping the evolution of self-driving technology by providing customers with the reassurance that the paths their vehicles travel are safe, smart and predictable. For more information, please visit www.ushrauto.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Molly Merluzzi | [email protected]
Ushr Named First Startup to Receive GM’s Innovation Award for its Precision HD Map Technology
DETROIT (April 24, 2018) —Ushr Inc., creator of high-definition (HD) mapping technology and software for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles, was named a GM Innovation Award winner during General Motors’ 26th annual Supplier of the Year awards ceremony held Friday, April 20 in Orlando, Florida. GM’s Innovation Award recognizes the top suppliers among thousands of global contenders who introduced innovations that benefit customers.
Ushr was named one of four 2017 Innovation Award winners. With the implementation of its precision HD map platform in the new Cadillac Super Cruise™ hands-free highway-driving system, Ushr became the first-to-market provider of HD mapping technology in an OEM production vehicle. Using high precision LiDAR and camera technology, Ushr has mapped every mile of limited-access highway in the U.S. and Canada. All road features are represented in the map to better than four inches geo-spatial accuracy. When combined with the real-time sensors, Ushr’s HD maps allow self-driving cars to operate on mapped roadways, providing precise lane centering, smooth control through curves and allowing the vehicle to safely anticipate roadway changes.
“We are honored to be recognized among many other automotive innovators,” said Bruce Gordon, CEO at Ushr. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with GM to develop the next generation of autonomous systems.”
During the event, GM recognized 132 of its best suppliers from 17 countries who have consistently exceeded GM’s expectations, created outstanding value or introduced innovations to the company.
GM recognized the most suppliers since debuting the Supplier of the Year event in 1992. More than 45 percent are repeat Supplier of the Year winners from 2016.
“This is an opportunity for General Motors to honor those suppliers who are truly the best of the best,” said Steve Kiefer, GM vice president, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain. “The automotive industry is transforming at an incredible rate. The relationships we have with our supply base means everything when it comes to delivering a strong vehicle lineup today and the cutting-edge vehicles and mobility services of tomorrow.”
Ushr, Inc. offers automotive manufacturers the most accurate, comprehensive and advanced high-definition map technology available on the market today. Located at the epicenter of automotive development in Detroit, Ushr’s technology and software are shaping the evolution of self-driving technology by providing customers with the reassurance that the paths their vehicles travel are safe, smart and predictable. For more information, please visit www.ushrauto.com.
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.
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Molly Merluzzi | [email protected]
Combines Leading Providers of HD Mapping Technology in U.S. and Japanese Markets
TOKYO & DETROIT (FEBRUARY 13, 2018) Dynamic Map Platform Co., Ltd. (“DMP”) and Ushr Inc. (“Ushr”) today announced the signing of a definitive agreement under which DMP has agreed to acquire Ushr, which upon closing, will establish a single, enhanced platform for accelerated development and delivery of high-definition mapping solutions. DMP and Ushr are providers of accurate, high quality, high-definition (“HD”) road maps in Japan and North America, respectively.
“DMP and Ushr share common values of progressing autonomous driving and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as well as enhancing occupant safety and comfort through HD map technology,” said Tsutomu Nakajima, President of DMP. “Through the combination, we will be able to offer automotive OEMs a comprehensive HD mapping solution for the North American and Japanese markets, with the ability to expand globally in the future. Further, we will jointly improve the technologies and expand the area of services, accelerating our customers’ ability to deploy autonomous driving and ADAS going forward.”
Using survey-grade LiDAR and camera technology, Ushr has mapped all controlled access highways in the United States and Canada; road features are represented in the map to within approximately four inches of geospatial accuracy. When combined with vehicles equipped with sensors and software enabling autonomous driving, Ushr’s HD maps allow self-driving cars to safely operate on mapped roadways, providing precise lane centering, smooth control through curves and the ability to anticipate roadway changes. Ushr’s market leading HD map technology was integrated into General Motors’ Super Cruise, the industry’s first true hands-free advanced driver assistance system for the highway, and first-to-market in the 2018 Cadillac CT6.
“DMP represents a tremendous partner for Ushr and shares our passion for realizing the potential of autonomous vehicle control technology,” said Bruce Gordon, CEO of Ushr. “Joining forces with DMP will help us to further access the market for self-driving cars and ADAS, particularly as consumer adoption is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. On behalf of the Ushr team, I look forward to partnering with DMP to build on our success moving forward.”
“From a board perspective, we believe this agreement represents an excellent outcome for Ushr’s customers, employees, partners, and shareholders,” said Scott Ungerer, Founder and Managing Director of EnerTech Capital and Chairman of the Board of Ushr. “Once closed, this unique combination will signify a remarkable step forward for advanced mobility solutions becoming broadly available to consumers.”
Ushr’s investors include: GM Ventures, EnerTech Capital, Emerald Technology Ventures and Forte Ventures. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approval. Terms of the agreement are not being disclosed.
Evercore is serving as financial advisor to Ushr and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati is acting as legal counsel. Squire Patton Boggs is acting as legal counsel to DMP.
Ushr Inc. offers automotive manufacturers accurate and comprehensive high-definition map technology. Located at the epicenter of automotive development in Detroit, Ushr’s technology and software are shaping the evolution of self-driving technology by providing customers with the reassurance that the paths their vehicles travel are safe, smart and predictable. For more information, please visit www.ushrauto.com.
Dynamic Map Platform Co., Ltd. is a company that provides research, development and commercialization of high precision 3 dimensional (3D) map data used in the realization of autonomous driving and safe-driving support systems, beginning with Japan’s motorways and expanding to overseas markets. For more information, please visit www.dynamic-maps.co.jp/en.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains “forward-looking statements,” which include information concerning the completion of the transaction, the satisfaction of closing conditions to the transaction, the benefits of the combination to each company’s stakeholders, the ability of the companies to realize the anticipated technological and commercial benefits following completion of the transaction, and other information that is not historical information. When used in this release, the words “outlook,” “forecast,” “estimates,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and beliefs and various assumptions. There can be no assurance that the company or its customers will realize these benefits or that these expectations will prove correct. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this release. Numerous factors, many of which are beyond the company’s control, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed as forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances.
Ushr to Showcase HD Map Technology in the Transportation Category
DETROIT (Feb. 7, 2018) —Ushr Inc., creator of high-definition (HD) mapping technology and software for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles, was selected as a finalist in the Transportation category for the 10th annual SXSW Accelerator Pitch Event®.
The SXSW Accelerator is the marquee event of South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference & Festivals (March 9-18, 2018) Startup & Tech Sectors Track, where leading startups from around the world showcase some of the most impressive technology innovations to a panel of hand-picked judges and a live audience. Out of the more than 600 companies that applied to present at SXSW Accelerator, Ushr was selected among the 50 finalists spanning 10 separate categories.
“This is an exciting opportunity for us to present our HD map technology for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles which is enabling the next generation of self-driving features,” said Chris Thibodeau, Senior Vice President of Ushr.
Indeed, Ushr is now the first-to-market provider of HD mapping technology in an OEM production vehicle with the implementation of its precision HD map platform in the new Cadillac Super Cruise™ hands-free highway-driving feature. Using high precision LiDAR technology, Ushr has mapped all road features of every mile of limited-access highway in the U.S. and Canada to under four inches in a global coordinate frame. When combined with the real-time data from cameras and GPS sensors, Ushr’s HD maps allow self-driving cars to operate on limited access highways, while also providing smooth control through curves and allowing the vehicle to anticipate roadway changes.
The two-day Accelerator Pitch Event will be held the first weekend of SXSW Conference & Festivals, Saturday, March 10 and Sunday, March 11. The Pitch Event will then culminate with the SXSW Accelerator Awards Ceremony on Sunday evening, March 11, where winning startups from each category and a Best in Show winner will be announced and honored.
The Accelerator will feature finalists across the following 10 categories: Augmented & Virtual Reality, Enterprise & Smart Data, Entertainment & Content, Health & Wearables, Hyper-Connected Communities, Payment & FinTech, Security & Privacy, Social & Culture, Sports & Performance Data, and Transportation.
“For the past decade, we’ve had the honor of offering a platform to some of the most cutting-edge global technologies and innovations – allowing CEOs and developers to present their solutions to investors, potential partners and key targets,” said SXSW Accelerator Event Producer Chris Valentine. “Of those who’ve presented on stage, over 70% have gone on to receive funding in excess of nearly $4.63 billion. In addition, 16% of these companies went on to be acquired. We look forward to once again being a launching pad for startups to achieve some of their greatest successes. All of us with SXSW Accelerator are proud and impressed by the companies who are truly changing industries and changing the world.”
Ushr will present among four other companies in the Transportation category on March 10th.
For more information about SXSW Accelerator and to view the complete list of finalists, visit: http://www.sxsw.com/interactive/awards/accelerator.
Ushr Inc. offers automotive manufacturers the most accurate, comprehensive and advanced high-definition map technology available on the market today. Located at the epicenter of automotive development in Detroit, Ushr’s technology and software are shaping the evolution of self-driving technology by providing customers with the reassurance that the paths their vehicles travel are safe, smart and predictable. For more information, please visit www.ushrauto.com.
SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. The event, an essential destination for global professionals, features sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together. SXSW 2018 will take place March 9-18, 2018.
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Molly Merluzzi | [email protected]
With 2018 Cadillac CT6, Ushr Becomes the First-to-Market HD Map Provider in a Production Vehicle
DETROIT (Oct. 18, 2017) —Ushr Inc., creator of high-definition (HD) mapping technology and software for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles, today announced that its precision HD map platform has been implemented in the new Cadillac Super Cruise™ hands-free highway driving feature. With the recent release of the 2018 Cadillac CT6, Ushr also becomes the first-to-market provider of HD mapping technology in an OEM production vehicle.
The HD mapping data provides high accuracy and high quality road information that, when combined with the real-time data from cameras and GPS sensors, ensures Super Cruise can operate on limited access highways, while also providing smooth control through curves, enhancing user comfort.
“We are incredibly excited to be working with automakers like GM and Cadillac on the future of hands-free driving,” said Bruce Gordon, Ushr CEO. “Super Cruise™ is the first assisted driving technology that will use Ushr’s precision LiDAR map data in addition to real-time cameras, sensors and GPS.”
In 2013, numerous test drives traversing hundreds of miles were completed comparing vehicle performance using the Ushr mapping technology and other competitor platforms. The test results showed Ushr significantly outperformed the competitive alternatives and the Ushr platform was chosen, in part, due to the critical need for enhanced accuracy to ensure passenger safety.
“Ushr’s HD mapping plays a critical role in assuring that Super Cruise operates as promised,” said Jon Lauckner, Chief Technology Officer, General Motors. “We knew at a very early stage that high-definition mapping was critical for Super Cruise and there were few companies who could provide reliable data and that’s why GM Ventures invested in Ushr.”
Using high precision LiDAR technology, Ushr has mapped all road features of every mile of limited-access highway in the U.S. and Canada to under four inches in a global coordinate frame. Ushr will collect roadway changes on an ongoing basis and provide frequent updates to GM.
Ushr, Inc. is shaping the evolution of autonomous vehicle control by providing software that enables the most precise, high-definition map and associated technology for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles on the market today. By interpreting and communicating street level detail, Ushr analyzes and anticipates travel conditions—giving drivers and passengers confidence, comfort and peace of mind. For more information, please visit ushrauto.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Molly Merluzzi | [email protected]
GeoDigital Spin-Off to Focus on HD Mapping Technology for Autonomous Vehicles
DETROIT (Sept. 18, 2017) —Ushr Inc., creator and provider of the most precise, high-definition (HD) mapping technology and software for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles currently available, today announced that it has secured $10 million in Series A funding, commensurate with its spin-off from GeoDigital, Inc. Forté Ventures led the investment round with participation from EnerTech Capital, Emerald Technology Ventures, and GM Ventures.
Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in mapping engineering structures, power lines, railways and roadways, the Ushr team spent the past three years developing the first production HD map software for autonomous driving. Now having mapped the entire U.S. and Canada controlled access highway network with under four inches deviation, Ushr’s platform provides the most accurate long and medium-distance sensing systems to enable autonomous vehicles (AVs) to safely navigate roadways.
“Ushr provides a long-range view that allows the vehicle to proactively plan safer routes and anticipate roadway changes instead of merely reacting to sensor inputs,” said Bruce Gordon, Ushr CEO. “In a recent road test comparison, our nearest competition had dozens of lane touches and several crossovers; our maps had zero touches and zero crossovers.”
Ushr’s HD mapping technology in combination with vehicle sensors and on-road cameras conveys “real world” detail to AVs. The company’s control algorithms are constantly interpreting and communicating key details from sensors to the vehicle control system, allowing for more precise steering, safer vehicle control and directional predictability.
The technology currently applies to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) but has a role in every stage of development within the autonomous driving technology spectrum. Presently, Ushr is working with major automotive manufacturers and suppliers, including General Motors (GM), to integrate Ushr software and map technology into future products.
“Ushr’s mapping data is an important piece of GM’s technology as we work on the path toward self-driving vehicles and these kinds of innovations bring us closer to that vision,” said Sherwin Prior, Managing Director at GM Ventures.
The Series A investment will allow Ushr to advance the development of lower cost data acquisition technologies and of automated map production using artificial intelligence techniques; to build a fleet of data collection vehicles; and to test in-vehicle software on automotive grade embedded hardware.
Ushr, Inc. is shaping the evolution of autonomous vehicle navigation by providing the most precise, high-definition mapping technology and software for autonomous vehicles on the market today. By interpreting and communicating street view navigation, Ushr enables autonomous vehicle passengers to travel from Point A to Point B as safely and as efficiently as possible. Founded in June of 2017, Ushr is a spin-off of GeoDigital, Inc. and is based in Detroit; for more information, please visit ushrauto.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Molly Merluzzi | [email protected]