Computing around Artificial Intelligence

and Autonomous Vehicles for Industry

backplane.com.au
Introduction
There have been significant advances
in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI)
and autonomous vehicles in industry,
with segments such as the mining
and resources sector pioneering the
implementation of this technology in
Australia. Driving these developments
is the computing systems that enable
autonomous platforms and AI to operate
effectively and securely. This white paper
discusses the technology in context of its
global growth and Australian adoption.
It provides insights into the features that
enable the success of in-vehicle computing
systems in harsh environments, along with
examples of why and how these systems
are best suited to various industry, defence
and emergency services applications.
Accelerated growth
in autonomous vehicles
Gartner identified autonomous vehicles (as part of
‘autonomous things’) as one of the top strategic
technology trends that businesses should explore in
20201. Interestingly, that prediction was made towards
the end of 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic. In
a COVID-19 2020 this became particularly prescient,
with many industries accelerating their deployment of
‘autonomous things’ to keep operations running in the
absence of workers.
While mining companies had begun utilising
automated vehicles in Australia before the coronavirus
wave, the epidemic spurred an extra uptake.
Australian Mining magazine reported in April 2020
that Rio Tinto had made one-third of its haul truck
fleet autonomous in the Pilbara region, whilst BHP
had planned to deploy 20 autonomous trucks to its
Newman East iron ore mine by the end of 20202.
The accelerated growth of the autonomous vehicle
market was acknowledged in an industry report by
Allied Market Research in 2019, which valued it
at US$54.23b in 2019 and projected its value to
reach over 10 times that by 2026. The report cited
improved safety and environmental sustainability as
key motivating factors for the adoption of autonomous
vehicles3. In a different report, Gartner forecast that
by 2023, the global net additions of vehicles equipped
with hardware that could enable full autonomy would
reach 745,705 units – more than double the number
of units in 2019 (332,932)4.
Making sense of
Autonomous Things’
and autonomous driving
An Autonomous Thing (AuT) is a
device that can work autonomously on
specific tasks without human direction
or interaction. The capabilities of these
devices are only made possible through AI
algorithms. Defined in simple terms, AI is
the automation of tasks normally requiring
human intelligence. AuT devices include
drones, vehicles and robotics, as well as
smart home devices and autonomous
software. The commonality with these
devices is that they have advanced AI and
machine learning capabilities. Unlike most
current ‘smart’ devices that can connect to
the Internet and automate a series of pre-
defined tasks, the future generation of AuT
will be able to think and act by themselves5.
One of the key application areas of AI is
autonomous driving. Autonomous vehicles
are equipped with multiple sensors as
well as cameras, radars and lidar, which
collect vast amounts of data on the
surroundings. These enable the vehicles to
obtain human-like sensory information on
the environment. In order to process this
data instantly, the autonomous vehicles
must have supercomputer capabilities that
can communicate this information to an
autonomous driving platform. They then rely
heavily on the AI in the form of machine
learning and deep learning to process that
data and make accurate driving decisions.6
Key drivers for
industrial mobility
Deploying AuT to automate the transportation of
goods has been coined as ‘industrial mobility’. It
covers a wide swath of transportation applications
including autonomous trucking, drones, rail, and
marine transport. In order to remain competitive
in any industrial setting, Australian businesses are
encouraged to invest in new-generation automation to
reduce the costs of production and meet occupational
health and safety codes7,8.
The key motivators for companies to adopt AI-
driven automation are costs, productivity and safety.
Employment of AuT can reduce costs associated
with labour and energy usage. AuT devices are also
more efficient in terms of productivity, because they
eliminate human error or inconsistencies in behaviour
that can translate to inefficiency. It is worth noting that
human error in driving is responsible for thousands of
preventable deaths each year, and this statistic can be
drastically reduced by autonomous vehicles9.
The Australian mining
experience with
autonomous vehicles
The mining sector in Australia has been
progressive in its adoption of autonomous
vehicles, namely in the self-driving mine
haul trucks. For example, Rio Tinto first
started trials of an autonomous haul truck
fleet in 2008. Since then, the company
has moved more than one billion tonnes of
ore and waste material across the Pilbara.
In 2019, the Rio Tinto autonomous fleet
accounted for a quarter of the total material
moved across the company’s Pilbara
mines. Moreover, the company reported
that each autonomous truck was estimated
to have operated 700 hours longer than
conventional haul trucks and achieved this
with 15 per cent lower load and haul unit
costs10.
Mining giant BHP also attributes automation
to increased productivity, more efficient
and safer operations by keeping workers
out of harm’s way. This extends to their
autonomous vehicles. According to BHP
Chief Technology Officer, Diane Jurgens, the
Haulage Automation at the BHP Jimblebar
operation in the Pilbara has reduced heavy
vehicle safety accidents by 80 per cent.
At the BAML SmartMine conference in
2019, Ms Jurgens said BHP was looking
to accelerate truck autonomy across its
Australia sites as a result of these benefits11.
Environmental challenges surrounding
in-vehicle computing in industry
While there have been rapid strides in the the dust or grit from the outside environment can
hardware technology that can support get inside and compromise the system.
autonomous platforms and AI, there are
“In Australia, we’re looking at high temperatures
a number of environmental challenges for
in many regional areas. For example, if the PC
computing technology in an industrial context.
is in the Pilbara, in a truck cabin on a 50°C day,
Computing hardware has to be specially
the PC in the cabin is going to be hotter than
designed to operate reliably within harsh
that – it needs to be able to start at 60 or 70°C.
conditions. Key challenges in sectors such
A desktop PC, as a comparison, is only rated to
as mining, defence, transport and logistics
about 30 to 35°C.”12
include strong vibrations and shock, extreme
temperatures and wet or dusty conditions. However, it’s not just the climate or
environmental conditions that pose a challenge
Australian-owned and operated company,
for in-vehicle computing in terms of the
Backplane Systems Technology (BST),
hardware’s ‘rugged’ reliability. Communications
has been supplying rugged PC computing
can be compromised due to the remote
technology to the Australian market – including
location of a vehicle. Likewise, power outages
the mining and emergency services sectors –
or interrupted supply will affect how a computer
for 31 years. As CEO Kristy Comb explained
processes and communicates information.
to Manufacturers’ Monthly, their hardware
products have been proven to work reliably According to Ms Comb, the BST new generation
in the Pilbara heat and dusty conditions; a computing technology from manufacturer
testament to their hardiness. Importantly, these Neousys Technology addresses these challenges
in-vehicle computers must be able to work under with features that improve communications and
constant vibration and are fanless so that none of functionality.
Leading global technology, fully supported locally
BST is the Australian authorised channel partner
for Neousys Technology, which is recognised as
a world-leading provider of rugged embedded
systems. As such, they are the Australian supplier
of Neousys’ pioneering range including the new
generation GC series and in-vehicle PCs. These
are state-of-the-art hardware systems used in
conjunction with autonomous platforms and AI.
They also have the latest generation CPU (central
processing unit) support and the hardware is
available and supported locally through BST for
between 10 to 15 years, as per Intel’s long-life
road map13.
The GC series are ruggedized GPU (graphic
processing units) computing edge AI platforms
that support high-end graphics cards. These
include the Nuvo-7166GC and Nuvo-8108GC.
The latter is the successor to the Nuvo-6108 –
the first industrial GPU platform –and is being
implemented in one of the world’s largest
autonomous driving projects, the Baidu Apollo
2.014, 15.
Meanwhile, the new generation in-vehicle
computing VTC Series include features such as
built-in ignition power control, CAN bus port,
E-Mark, EN 50155 railway certification, and shock
and vibration damping brackets.
Ms Comb points out that the hardware is fit for
purpose in a number of industrial applications
including road and rail transportation, shipping,
mining, emergency services, and defence.
Importantly, the Neousys platforms are entirely
scalable.
“For example, if you look at the Nuvo-7000
series. All up, there are over 21 different models
in this series but they are all based on the same
motherboard design; just some models have
added features like PoE (Power over Ethernet),
a super capacitor module or a GPU. This
means you can standardise your system on
one particular series and expand it for multiple
applications whether it be an in-vehicle solution
or high end GPU compute solution,” Ms Comb
explains. “Since they are all based on the same
motherboard design, this enables you to develop
one system image that can then be rolled out
across all your devices, and you only add in
certain functions as needed. This reduces cost
and time, especially when you are deploying
systems on a large scale.”
Moreover, all the Neousys systems have a large
range of additional peripherals that can be added
into a system. This includes 4G and WIFI modules
for communications, GPS modules for tracking,
PCIe cards for additional PoE Ports and even
small form factor GPU solutions that work from a
mini-PCIe slot on the motherboard.
“With all these features and their rugged
design, Neousys systems are truly a system
designed for all applications.”
Neousys design features
address industrial pain points
According to Mr Chris Ni, Chief Technology Officer
for Neousys Tecnology in Taiwan, the manufacturer’s
hardware products have been designed to specifically
address industrial pain points: “They offer exceptional user
experience and are of practical value. Product development
is based on customer pain points. From research and
development to manufacturing, it is customer-oriented every
step of the way.”

To expand on his point, Mr Ni highlighted some specific

design features that Neousys have developed to enhance
their hardware offering for rugged GPU edge and in-vehicle
computing. These include:

n PATENTED CASSETTE DESIGN

GPU consumes high wattages and is a high heat-dissipating
component. In traditional PCs, the heat generated by the
GPU will circulate internally without efficient heat dispersion,
which will affect system stability when operating in high-
temperature environments. The Neousys patented cassette
design solves this by creating a separate compartment for
the graphics card. It also features a wind tunnel design
that draws in external air to cool add-on cards passively
or actively with a fan. This ensures the system’s long-term
stability and reliability, even in extreme temperatures
(-40 to 70°C).

n DC/ DC POWER SUPPLY DESIGN

The Neousys’ systems feature wide-range DC/DC inputs that
are exceptionally stable with high-efficiency power conversion
rates. This guarantees steady power delivery for various in-
vehicle application deployments.

n INTELLIGENT IGNITION CONTROL

User definable power-on and power-off ignition timing control
to avoid power surges during vehicle startups and unforeseen
low-battery detection shutdowns.

n PATENTED DAMPING BRACKET

Neousys patented damping bracket is shock and vibration
proof and MIL-STD-810G certified, ensuring operation in
three-axis conditions, and up to three GRMS in-vehicle
applications.
AI AND AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES IN DEFENCE:
PRAESIDIUM GLOBAL CASE STUDY
AI is poised to play a particular role in the defence
sector, and according to the Australian Institute of
Machine Learning, Australia is well-positioned to
grow as a supplier of AI-based systems to the global
defence market16.
David Baird, who is CEO and founder of Australian
company Praesidium Global, had the foresight
to develop an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV)
prototype back in 2015. Mr Baird, who has a military
background, had anticipated that while there had been
focus on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) – especially
drones – there would be renewed interest in UGVs with
companies such as Tesla developing electric and semi-
autonomous cars. His decision to start building a UGV
was uncannily well-timed.
“There was a big shift in defence in 2016 and the
Australian government established the Centre for
Defence Industry Capability (CDIC) and launched
a white paper. Within this there was a change in
language in regards to current and future capability
requirements – and that change was in using the
name unmanned vehicles rather than specifying
unmanned aerial vehicles,” Mr Baird explained. “It
was a simple change, but it opened the door for our
prototype with the Australian military.”
After being downselected from 150 companies
to present at an Australian Defence Force (ADF)
innovation day back in October 2016, Praesidium
Global were awarded a proof of concept contract for
their UGV prototypes, and they’ve been working with
the ADF since.
At the core of the Praesidium offering is their software
system M.A.P.S (Mission Adaptable Platform System),
purposely designed as a generic platform that will
reduce total cost of ownership for the Army whilst
enhancing capability to soldiers in the field.
“What we’ve seen over the years with different
equipment is a disconnect between the equipment
and end users because they were so mission
specific. So the idea with M.A.P.S was for it to be a
base platform that the army could modularise and
use to support a variety of missions, whether that
be surveillance, reconnaissance or in evacuating
casualties,” he explained. “For example, at the
Talisman Sabre military exercise in 2019 we used the
UGVs to do some perimeter mosquito-spraying.”
Essential to the Praesidium offering to the Army is the
Backplane Systems Technology computing hardware.
The decision to use Backplane was multi-faceted – but
ultimately a no-brainer for Mr Baird.
“The equipment had already been validated in the
mining industry and that’s among the harshest of
environments it could be subjected to and operate
reliably in. Also, they had passed certification for
vibration testing and we needed that,” he said. “Most
of the things we do for our system are commercial ‘off
the shelf’ not military ‘off the shelf’. And that’s because
we need to have ease of access, supply chain stability
and to keep costs down. So having an off the shelf
solution that was already validated within extreme
environments was tremendously beneficial for us.”
Moreover, Mr Baird pointed out that Backplane, like
Praesidium are agile enough to make fast changes as
needed to suit customer requirements.
“Backplane provide us the local support we need for
any changes. They’re fluid, as are we. One of the key
advantages of being an SME in this space is that we’re
not rigid; we’re able to operate in an agile environment
and make changes very fast to meet our customer
needs. And Backplane works with us on that,” he
stressed. “Our supply chain has to remain flexible
because we face the ongoing challenge of an ever-
changing market.”
The partnership that Praesidium and Backplane share
will continue to grow in the future, asserts Mr Baird,
because the companies complement each other so
seamlessly.
“Technology changes so rapidly so it’s essential for
us to be partnered with a supplier such as Backplane
who can provide the latest PC equipment and keep us
advised on the hardware technology,” he enthused.
“Hardware is also now providing better access to
artificial intelligence with machine learning which is
what we’re moving further into.”
Mr Baird was quick to point out, however, that the
UGVs would never be able to override a human
decision.
“The vehicle will present options to make that person’s
job easier but it will never be allowed to overrule
a human. We have to maintain the balance with
enhanced machine learning so that it reduces the
cognitive burden on the end user such as a soldier.
Because their function is to be a soldier, not a UGV
operator,” he explained.
“So the question for us moving forward, is how far
and at what level do we apply that machine learning
to reduce that cognitive burden whilst ensuring that
we enhance the soldier’s capability, not create or add
problems.”
In Summary
Computing hardware plays a pivotal role in
the development of artificial intelligence and
autonomous vehicles. Industrial computing
systems also need to weather the harsh
environments in which they are subjected to.
Backplane Systems Technology have been in
the computing business for over 30 years. As
such, they are one of the most experienced and
trusted suppliers of rugged in-vehicle computing
technology and the latest generation edge AI
platforms. Proven to be reliable, fit for purpose
and fully supported in the Australian market for
up to 10 to 15 years, Backplane can work with
companies to identify and scale a solution to
meet their needs.

REFERENCES:
1. Gartner Identifies the Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends for 2020
https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2019-10-21-gartner-identifies-the-top-10-strategic-technology-trends-for-2020
2. Mining should consider automation to survive coronavirus, expert warns
https://www.australianmining.com.au/news/mining-must-shift-to-automation-to-survive-coronavirus-expert-warns/
3. Autonomous Vehicle Market by Level of Automation (Level 3, Level 4, and Level 5) and Component (Hardware, Software, and Service) and Application (Civil, Robo Taxi, Self-driving Bus, Ride
Share, Self-driving Truck, and Ride Hail) - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2019-2026
https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/autonomous-vehicle-market
4. Gartner Forecasts More Than 740,000 Autonomous-Ready Vehicles to Be Added to Global Market in 2023
https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2019-11-14-gartner-forecasts-more-than-740000-autonomous-ready-vehicles-to-be-added-to-global-market-in-2023
5. The Internet-of-Autonomous-Things (IoAT)
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267326866_The_Internet-of-Autonomous-Things_IoAT
6. Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Vehicles https://medium.com/datadriveninvestor/artificial-intelligence-and-autonomous-vehicles-ae877feb6cd2
7. Industry analysis of autonomous mine haul truck commercialization http://summit.sfu.ca/system/files/iritems1/14425/SBrundrett_Capstone.pdf
8. The Impact of AI on the Future of Work and Workers
https://www.aph.gov.au/DocumentStore.ashx?id=2f5995c3-6fc3-4d45-9d52-df58c7cce7c8&subId=611580
9. The new road to the future: Realising the benefits of autonomous vehicles in Australia https://www.accenture.com/t00010101T000000Z__w__/au-en/_acnmedia/Accenture/Conversion-Assets/
DotCom/Documents/Local/en-gb/PDF_3/Accenture-Realising-Benefits-Autonomous-Vehicles-Australia.pdf
10. Rio Tinto to expand autonomous truck operations to fifth Pilbara mine site
https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/Automated-truck-expansion-Pilbara
11. Automation data is making work safer, smarter and faster
https://www.bhp.com/community/community-news/2019/07/automation-data-is-making-work-safer-smarter-and-faster/
12 . The “new defence”: Agile SMEs delivering new capabilities
https://www.manmonthly.com.au/Agile+SMEs+delivering+new+capabilities
13. Intel Roadmaps for Processor, Chipset, and Server Products
https://www.intel.com.au/content/www/au/en/design/products-and-solutions/product-roadmaps/overview.html
14. Autonomous Driving and GPU Computing
https://www.neousys-tech.com/en/discover/gpu-embedded-computing/autonomous-driving-and-gpu-computing
15. Apollo Hardware Development Platform
http://apollo.auto/platform/hardware.html
16. The Impact of AI on the Future of Work and Workers
https://www.aph.gov.au/DocumentStore.ashx?id=2f5995c3-6fc3-4d45-9d52-df58c7cce7c8&subId=611580

Backplane Systems Technology

Phone: (02) 9457 6400
Email: sales@backplane.com.au
www.backplane.com.au