Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), US-based Intel, and Eqypt’s Brightskies have collaborated to launch REDD in order to develop a self-driving mobility platform.
REDD is a strategic initiative that puts research innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) to the test in a proof-of-concept, self-driving vehicle.
Further, it is the outcome of a strategic collaborative initiative between KAUST Smart, Intel, and Brightskies to raise the bar of the autonomous mobility challenge by converting a conventional car into a self-driving car with integrated AI software.
“The self-driving mobility platform provides a capability to develop an ecosystem of talent, research, and applied solutions within the region. It’s a great step towards tackling self-driving challenges. It’s also a platform that allows new and innovative ideas to grow,” said Mr. Mohamed Abdel-Aal, director of KAUST Smart.
The KAUST vehicle will use a Beta version of BrightDrive, a self-driving system developed in-house by Brightskies and initially launched in 2020.
According to the statement, “BrightDrive contains features required for the safety of the autonomous trip and optimal user experience, including environment sensing and perception, centimeter-level localization, and high-definition (HD) mapping, path planning, and motion control.”
“The advanced processing power and seamless integration of sensors over the Intel NUC could make this innovation a reality,” stated Mr. Hossam Yahia, Vice President of autonomous driving at Brightskies.
KAUST researchers are expected to use this vehicle as an innovation platform in order to deploy and test new techniques for a better road experience.
“Intel is very excited to collaborate with KAUST and Brightskies on AI developments for autonomous driving — a collaboration that we believe is aligned with and will support Saudi’s Vision 2030. The pilot project will also enrich the local research talent with a customizable platform for their algorithms, which will prepare them to play a role in the global automotive industry,” noted Mr. Ahmad Al Abduljabbar, General Manager of Intel, Saudi Arabia.
