PR91037

TEL AVIV, Israel, Aug. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/--

Highlights:

- Piaggio Fast Forward (PFF) reveals trailblazing sensor technology for

consumer and business robots as well as motorcycles and scooters

- Piaggio Group motorcycles and scooters featuring an innovative sensor

technology package developed, built and supplied by PFF including 4D imaging

radar provided by Vayyar expected to debut in 2022 with PFF robots launching in

late 2021

- Vayyar Imaging, the global leader in 4D imaging radar, supplying the RoC

(Radar-on-Chip) for the sensor package developed, built and supplied by PFF for

mass production in Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS) and robots

Piaggio Fast Forward (PFF), the Boston-based robotics company and a leader in

smart following technology, has developed new sensor technology for

implementation not only in consumer and business robots but also in scooters

and motorcycles.

Founded in 2015 by the Piaggio Group, PFF has previously focused on advancing

innovation in smart following technology and smart behavior implementation in

robots and machines, but in a strategic decision last year, began developing a

custom radar sensor module for use first in Piaggio Group motorcycles and

scooters with the intention to provide the technology to other companies in the

future.

PFF's hardware-software modules offer uncompromising safety by providing robust

monitoring in all environmental and lighting conditions. PFF awarded a supply

contract for the modules' Radar-on-Chip to Vayyar Imaging, marking the

deployment of the industry's first ever 4D imaging radar-based motorcycle

safety platform. The complete sensor package is developed, built and supplied

by PFF for mass production in Piaggio Group motorcycles' Advanced Rider

Assistance Systems (ARAS).

ARAS applications are on the front line of the battle to prevent collisions and

protect motorcycle riders. ARAS technology meets the rigorous technological

requirements of traditional driver assist functions, addressing additional

motorcycle-specific challenges such as size constraints and seamless vehicle

maneuverability at high-tilt angles.

The PFF modules use Vayyar's mmWave 4D imaging Radar-on-Chip (RoC) sensor,

enabling multiple ARAS functions such as Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane

Change Assist (LCA) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with a single sensor

supporting a range of over 100m, and an ultra-wide field-of-view. PFF robots

incorporating the radar technology are expected to be  released at the end of

2021, with Piaggio Group motorcycle models equipped with the PFF sensor module

launching in 2022.

"PFF is creating advanced technology products for robots and motorcycles that

detect and measure objects in our surroundings to provide the information we

need for mapping, object detection, and control, regardless of lighting,

weather and other environmental factors. We have chosen to develop our sensing

applications with Vayyar's 4D imaging radar technology. We are excited to work

with such a professional, passionate team, to develop innovative new solutions

that provide our customers with a better product experience." Greg Lynn, CEO at

Piaggio Fast Forward.

The Vayyar 4D imaging radar technology being used in both PFF robots and PFF

sensing modules developed for the motorcycle industry supports a large Multiple

Input Multiple Output (MIMO) array that enables ultra-high resolution point

cloud imaging for holistic monitoring of a robot's and a vehicle's

surroundings. This high-performance sensor incorporates sophisticated

single-chip 4D imaging radar technology, featuring an ultra-wide field of view

(both in azimuth and elevation) with no dead zones, detecting and tracking

multiple targets. Its small form-factor is engineered to address the unique

challenges of motorcycle and robotics design.

"We're very excited to partner with PFF, who are at the forefront of sensor

technology, both in terms of harmonization with rider experience on two- and

three-wheeled products, as well as application in their innovative robots.

Motorcycle riders are among the most vulnerable road users, and this is a big

step forward in reducing their risk of collision," says Ilan Hayat, Director of

Business Development at Vayyar Imaging. "Regardless of vehicle type, rider

safety should not be compromised, and by partnering with PFF we are thrilled to

deliver an automotive standard of safety to motorcycles", added Hayat.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1587161/Vayyar.jpg

Source: Vayyar