Mike Galli

Mike Galli asked about the relative contributions of LIDAR versus radar in solving for dust storm conditions and inquired about the slight delay in the rain and heavy wind update, questioning if it was related to prioritizing dust storm solutions.

Answer

Co-Founder and CEO Chris Urmson explained that dust storm handling relies on a complementary sensor suite (LIDAR, radar, camera) and an AI perception model, leveraging the unique properties of First Light LIDAR and radar's resilience to dust. He dismissed the 'slight delay' for rain and heavy wind as minor (a week or two difference between end of December and beginning of January), attributing it to integrity in reporting and noting that the Fort Worth to El Paso lane launch was pulled ahead significantly.

Mike Galli asked about the relative contributions of LIDAR versus radar in solving for dust storm conditions and inquired about a slight delay in the rain and heavy wind update, specifically if it was related to prioritizing the dust storm solution.

Answer

Co-Founder and CEO Chris Urmson explained that Aurora uses a complementary sensor suite (LIDAR, radar, camera) and an AI perception model that leverages the unique strengths of each, with First Light LIDAR and radar being particularly effective in dust storms. He clarified that the slight delay in the rain and heavy wind update was a minor timing adjustment (end of December vs. beginning of January) for integrity and transparency, not a significant push-out, and noted that the Fort Worth to El Paso lane expansion was pulled ahead.