VCs and the military “fuel” self-driving cars without the need for roads

A new wave of startups is focusing on autonomous vehicles on difficult terrain, instead of autonomous vehicles on the streets as before.

Two notable startups, Overland AI (USA) and Potential (Canada), are developing solutions for autonomous vehicles on terrain. What they have in common is that they don’t need to rely on detailed maps, large amounts of training data, or remote control.

Overland AI is developing self-driving systems for military operations such as reconnaissance, surveillance, and cargo transportation. Potential develops advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that help off-road vehicles, underground mining vehicles and passenger vehicles handle themselves in off-road environments.

The trend of autonomous vehicles on terrain is of interest to venture investors and the US Department of Defense. Overland AI has received $18.6 million from the US Department of Defense to develop software for robot combat vehicles.

In addition to Overland AI and Potential, there are many other companies that are applying autonomous vehicle technology to fields such as warehousing, mining, industry and off-roading.

The advantage of autonomous off-road vehicles is that they can solve labor shortages, increase productivity and ensure safer operations.

The military is also a potential market for off-road autonomous vehicles. Autonomous vehicles can help eliminate danger for drivers and be more flexible in combat.

Overland AI’s technology uses built-in sensors (mainly cameras) and computers to process data, build real-time terrain maps, and control autonomous vehicles without maps. , GPS or remote operator.

Potential’s system uses artificial intelligence to analyze images from cameras, helping the vehicle recognize complex terrain, predict situations ahead and issue warnings or assist the driver in controlling the vehicle appropriately.

Both Overland AI and Potential are working with parts manufacturers and automakers to integrate their technology into vehicles.