An automation testing initiative kicks off in Peoria, Illinois, collecting data on a defined downtown route. The pilot builds on a history of innovation in the city and will revolutionize the future of autonomy.

AutonomouStuff, part of Hexagon's Positioning Intelligence division, will launch the first phase of its Open Autonomy Pilot program on Monday, June 3, and begin collecting data and testing software on two automated research and development vehicles. This testing will be conducted on a defined route in downtown Peoria, Illinois.

AutonomouStuff and the City of Peoria will host a press conference to formally acknowledge this unprecedented technology development. The event will start at 2 p.m. Monday in front of the Gateway Building on the Peoria riverfront and feature an automated research vehicle, as well as remarks from AutonomouStuff founder Bobby Hambrick and Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis.

"The goal of the Open Autonomy Pilot is to enable, accelerate and deploy technology that drives the future of autonomy," said Bobby Hambrick, founder, CEO and President of AutonomouStuff, and Chief Autonomy Officer of Hexagon PI. "This is a unique opportunity to develop revolutionary technology through collaboration in the industry, while bringing advancements in innovation to Peoria."

This initiative includes development and testing of a complete automation software suite, weekly engineering analysis from three months of regular testing, simulation models and high definition maps of downtown Peoria — a significant data collection effort. Data collected during the driving sessions also will become part of a digital simulation used to test and validate AutonomouStuff's complete solution for safety-conscious automated technology development.

Multiple layers of safety have been incorporated into the pilot, starting with months of software testing in simulation. On the road, highly trained safety drivers will maintain full manual control of the vehicles at all times, driving at low speeds while conducting tests during non-peak traffic hours and closely monitoring the simulated software.

Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis said: "Over 30 years ago, Caterpillar was developing autonomous construction and mining equipment. The methods to mass produce penicillin were discovered at our Ag Lab. Peoria has been at the forefront of innovation for decades, especially relating to manufacturing and medicine. This exciting new project will expand our reputation and let everyone know that Peoria is a leading community when it comes to innovation."

Jeff Griffin, President and CEO of the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce and CEO Council, said: "Our region has such a rich history of innovation, and this project demonstrates our determination to meet the demands of the future. We are beyond thrilled to see this pilot project become a reality."

AutonomouStuff is collaborating with partners to present the pilot vehicles at CES 2020 in Las Vegas. Learn more about the pilot at https://autonomoustuff.com/services/open-autonomy-pilot.

About AutonomouStuff
AutonomouStuff provides the industry's most advanced organizations with the best products, software and engineering services to enable robotics and autonomy. The top priority for the team at AutonomouStuff is customer success. Customers value the convenience of finding the most cutting-edge modular-based automation software solutions, engineering services, perception, computing, GNSS+INS and interface components in one location. Learn more at http://www.AutonomouStuff.com.

AutonomouStuff is part of Hexagon's Positioning Intelligence division, which also includes NovAtel and Veripos.

Hexagon is a global leader in digital solutions that create Autonomous Connected Ecosystems (ACE). Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B) has approximately 19,000 employees in 50 countries and net sales of approximately 3.5bn EUR. Learn more at http://www.hexagon.com.