LuxTurrim5G partner in spotlight
Sensible 4’s software makes self-driving vehicles of all types operate smoothly and safely in changing conditions. The company has developed a unique LiDAR-based software built with state-of-the-art sensor fusion technology which makes self-driving cars operate safely in all weather conditions. Integrated as an operation system for the GACHA self-driving electric shuttle bus designed by Muji, Japan, this has been seen as a promising solution for the autonomous vehicles market. In the LuxTurrim5G ecosystem the GACHA robot bus is a key element both for studies to utilize the 5G connectivity for remote driving and acting as a moving sensor platform gathering data.
Sensible 4 is a Finnish high-tech startup established in 2017. However, the company gathers together tens of years of deep expertise in software development, robotization and autonomous driving, and the company is growing fast. Currently the personnel include 40 experts, but the amount is aimed to be doubled by the end of this year. At the same time the turnover is expected to grow from the current 2.3 MEUR to the level of 7 MEUR.
Sensible 4’s key capabilities are development of the operating systems for self-driving vehicles. Especially their know-how on making these LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) based systems work also in harsh conditions such as heavy rain or snow has been well recognized all over the world. Hands-on practical testing in different environments, both urban areas like the Nokia Campus in Espoo or more rural ones in Lapland, have given a lot of experience and proof-of-concept evidence. The plan is soon to move towards commercial transportation, and start from public transportation where the cost benefits are most obvious.
“We are negotiating with City of Espoo on starting regular public transport already next year”, says Harri Santamala, CEO of Sensible 4.
Recently Sensible 4 partnered with a Japanese company SB Drive with the aim to integrate its system know-how to their for autonomous driving platform called Dispatcher. This will enable remote driving and the use of artificial intelligence which is hoped to speed up entering the European and Japanese automotive markets.
“I believe that self-driving cars using our software and operational systems will be in serial production in 2025”, says Santamala.
During last year the company has received several major recognitions such as Winner of Best Startup at Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport 2019 (1 Million USD Award). The design of the GACHA shuttle bus has in turn been awarded by the Good Design Gold Award for 2019 and Beazley Designs of the Year Award (Transport) by the Design Museum London.
Just recently (February 28, 2020) the company raised 7 million USD series A funding round with the investors NordicNinja VC and ITOCHU. This will boost the development of the expansion of autonomous driving system specialised for harsh weather conditions and market expansion to Europe and Asia.
Read more:
Fresh news in Kauppalehti 19.3.2020 (in Finnish), Espoolaisyhtiössä uskotaan, että robottiautot yleistyvät ensin julkisessa liikenteessä
Video of GACHA bus with Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia
Harri Santamala, CEO, Founder, Sensible 4