PHOENIX: Video footage of a fatal pedestrian accident involving a self-driving Uber car has prompted calls to limit testing on public roads and raised concerns about the legal framework surrounding autonomous vehicle technology.
The 22-second video shows a woman walking her bike from a darkened area on to a street just before being struck by an Uber SUV in self-driving mode. The footage was released by police in Tempe, Arizona, following the crash earlier this week.
Three experts who studied the emerging technology concluded the video, which includes dashcam footage of the driver’s reaction, indicates the vehicle’s sensors should have spotted the pedestrian and initiated braking to avoid the crash that killed 49-year-old Elaine Herzberg on Sunday.
Uber has suspended testing as the investigation proceeds into the accident, the first fatality involving a self-driving vehicle.
Raj Rajkumar, who heads the autonomous vehicle program at Carnegie Mellon University, said the video was revealing in multiple ways, including that the driver appeared distracted, and that Herzberg appeared to have been in the roadway and moving for several seconds without her presence being sensed.
Laser systems used in the Uber vehicles, called Lidar, can carry a blind spot, he said.
“All of this should be looked at in excruciating detail,” he said.
Herzberg’s death occurs at a time when eagerness to put autonomous vehicles on public roads is accelerating in Silicon Valley, the auto industry and state and federal governments.
More than 100 car manufacturers and industry associations in early March sent a letter urging Congress to expedite passage of a proposal from Senator John Thune that aims to provide regulatory oversight and make it easier to deploy the technology.
After the crash, groups such as Vision Zero, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, and other safety-minded organizations urged the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation to delay consideration of Thune’s proposal until the Tempe crash investigation is completed.
“The stage is set for what will essentially be beta-testing on public roads with families as unwitting crash test dummies,” the letter said.
Thune, who chairs the science committee, said in a statement Thursday that the crash underscores the need to adopt laws and policies tailored to self-driving vehicles.
“Congress should act to update rules, direct manufacturers to address safety requirements, and enhance the technical expertise of regulators,” Thune said.
Scott Hall, spokesman for the Coalition of Future Mobility, which represents a variety of auto, consumer and taxpayer interest groups, said on Thursday the organization supports the bill because a national framework of rules governing testing and deployment of technology is needed to avoid a 50-state patchwork of laws.
Data from the National Conference of State Legislatures shows that states are increasingly introducing legislation over autonomous vehicles — 33 in 2017. More than 20 states have already enacted autonomous vehicle legislation.
Uber, Intel, Waymo and GM are testing autonomous cars in Arizona, which does not require the firms to get a permit. After the Tempe crash, Governor Doug Ducey, who brought the companies to the state with a promise of minimal regulation, warned against jumping to conclusions.
He said both the Tempe police and National Transportation Safety Board were investigating.
“So let’s see what happened.”
Earlier this month, Ducey issued an executive order that will allow companies to operate autonomous vehicles without a person on board. The only requirement is to send an advisory letter to the state Department of Transportation.
John Simpson, of the California-based advocacy group Consumer Watchdog, said Ducey was turning Arizona into “the Wild West of automobile testing.”
“There are no regulations, and if there is no sheriff in town, somebody gets killed,” Simpson said.
The watchdog group is calling for a national moratorium on the testing of all autonomous vehicles until the cause of the fatal crash is determined. Simpson said other states and Congress should look to California, where even minor crashes must be reported, for a blueprint.
In Arizona, companies such as Uber need to carry only minimum liability insurance to operate self-driving cars. They are not required to track crashes or report any information to the state.
California requires a $5 million insurance policy, and companies must report accidents to the state within 10 days and release an annual tally showing how many times test drivers had to take over.
Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, who has embraced limited regulations for autonomous vehicles, said the crash wasn’t causing him to rethink his state’s laws.
“We need to find out all the issues associated with that (crash),” he said. “It’s terrible to have someone get in an accident and be killed like that. Unfortunately, we have traffic deaths going on far too often in our country. Let’s all work harder on having safe roads.”
Uber self-driving death puts brakes on tech giants
Uber self-driving death puts brakes on tech giants
Aramco launches global innovation award for robotics excellence at WRO 2024
Aramco has partnered with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team and World Robot Olympiad to launch the Aramco Innovation Award, a new global honor recognizing excellence in robotics design and technology.
The award aims to inspire and reward young innovators who excel in creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking and technical skills.
The first Aramco Innovation Award will be presented at the 2024 World Robot Olympiad international final, which will take place from Nov. 28-30 in İzmir, Turkiye.
It will be given to the winning team of the future innovators category (senior age group). More than 5,500 teams and 15,000 students from around the world will compete for the award.
At the international final, 48 teams from 45 countries are eligible to win.
The prize includes an exclusive Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team Innovation Experience, which features a tour of the AMR Technology Campus in Silverstone, the home of British motorsport.
Khalid A. Al-Zamil, Aramco vice president of public affairs, said: “We’re excited to launch the Aramco Innovation Award as part of our dedication to developing future science, technology, engineering and math innovators. By partnering with Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team and World Robot Olympiad, we aim to inspire young minds to explore new possibilities in robotics and encourage the next generation of STEM careers.”
Luca Furbatto, engineering director, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team, said: “We are thrilled to work with our partner Aramco to offer this insightful tour of our technology campus in Silverstone to the winners of the Aramco Innovation Award. It allows students the chance to see how a Formula One® team operates, and we expect it will help to inspire the next generation of designers and engineers through STEM opportunities.”
The Aramco Innovation Award celebrates young innovators who use robotics to address real-world challenges. By recognizing these achievements, Aramco and its partners are investing in future technology leaders who will help to shape the technologies of tomorrow’s world.
Claus Ditlev Christensen, secretary general of WRO, said: “Introducing the Aramco Innovation Award at this year’s WRO international final represents our ongoing mission to inspire young innovators. This collaboration with Aramco and Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team gives students an extraordinary chance to experience the latest technology. We believe these future leaders have the potential to drive the next wave of advancements in robotics.”
Saudi Arabia strengthens cybersecurity leadership at Black Hat MENA
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia reinforced its commitment to cybersecurity by hosting the Black Hat Middle East and Africa conference and exhibition this week. The event, held from Nov. 26-28, highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to advance digital security and technological innovation as part of its broader Vision 2030 goals.
Organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones in partnership with Tahaluf, Informa Global, and the Events Investment Fund, Black Hat MENA brought together global experts to discuss critical cybersecurity issues and share insights on protecting digital infrastructures, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
One day before the gathering, Mutab Al-Qunai, CEO of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, told SPA that the event aims to foster innovation and collaboration in digital safety
The conference included a series of technical sessions and workshops centered on the role of cybersecurity in safeguarding emerging technologies. The Kingdom’s efforts to cultivate local talent and align with international cybersecurity standards were key themes. Notably, the event featured a drone challenge zone, aimed at engaging Saudi youth in drone technology and the cybersecurity challenges it presents.
Experts such as Nikhil Shrivastava, an Indian security researcher, and Bianca Lewis, founder of Girls Who Hack, contributed to discussions on the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats and solutions.
Black Hat MENA also featured five national pavilions, with representatives from the US, Canada, India, Egypt, and Pakistan, alongside 43 exhibitors. The event hosted over 300 speakers, 450 exhibitors, and 350 workshops covering a wide array of cybersecurity topics.
The Activity Zone, sponsored by Haboob, presented cybersecurity challenges with prizes totaling more than SR2 million ($532,000). These included tests on smart home security, medical device hacking, and infrastructure vulnerabilities. The Capture the Flag tournament also took place, awarding SR790,000 in prizes, including SR90,000 for Saudi teams.
Faisal Al-Khamisi, chairman of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, emphasized that hosting Black Hat MENA aligns with Saudi Arabia’s goal to lead in cybersecurity. He said the event demonstrated the Kingdom’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and developing the cybersecurity skills necessary to protect the digital future.
Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity infrastructure and cultivate talent position the Kingdom as a growing hub for technological innovation in the region.
FMCG and tech drive UAE spending to $3.7bn in Q3 2024
RIYADH: UAE consumer spending saw robust growth in the third quarter of 2024, with total expenditures reaching $3.7 billion across fast-moving consumer goods, technology, and durable products, new data showed.
This represents a 4.8 percent year-on-year increase, reflecting the market’s resilience and evolving consumer habits, according to the latest NielsenIQ Retail Spend Barometer, powered by GfK intelligence. The index provides quarterly insights into UAE spending across FMCG and technical consumer goods.
The FMCG sector spearheaded growth, achieving $2.1 billion in sales during the third quarter, a 6.4 percent rise compared to the same period in 2023. Meanwhile, the technology and durable goods sector contributed $1.5 billion, marking a 2.5 percent year-on-year increase.
Strong back-to-school sales
The quarter’s performance was bolstered by back-to-school promotions, the expansion of convenience retail, and the ongoing rise of digital shopping platforms. QuickCommerce services and online grocery delivery gained traction, especially among younger, tech-savvy consumers.
David Cantatore, retail lead NIQ Middle East, said: “In the third quarter 2024, we’ve witnessed sustained growth in UAE’s retail landscape, with strong consumer spending driven by targeted promotions and increased demand in both FMCG and tech sectors.”
He added: “The growth of new communities is fueling convenience retail, while online grocery shopping is reshaping the landscape, especially among younger and busy professionals. This digital evolution demonstrates the market’s appetite to adapt and thrive in response to changing consumer preferences.”
FMCG outpaces tech
The FMCG sector demonstrated a strong recovery, with year-on-year growth rising from 3.2 percent in the third quarter of 2023 to 6.4 percent a year later. This resurgence followed a notable slowdown earlier in the year, when growth declined from 9.4 percent in the first quarter of 2023 to 3.5 percent in the corresponding period of 2024.
In contrast, the tech and durable goods sector faced a significant slowdown, as growth dropped from 7.7 percent in the third quarter of 2023 to 2.5 percent in 2024. However, back-to-school promotions and new product launches, such as the Samsung Galaxy S24, helped sustain consumer interest.
Retail evolution
The rise of new residential communities across the UAE has driven the expansion of convenience retail, encouraging more frequent but smaller shopping trips. This trend aligns with an increasing preference for sustainable and healthier products, supported by the rapid adoption of digital grocery platforms.
“The positive growth we’re seeing across both sectors reflects the UAE’s dynamic retail environment and strong consumer confidence,” Cantatore said.
He added: “As we continue to witness the evolution of shopping behaviors and the rise of digital solutions, the retail sector remains well-positioned for sustained growth and innovation.”
Digital trade in the UAE is expected to grow at an annual rate of 12.3 percent between 2023 and 2028, fueled by the increasing adoption of “buy now, pay later” models and advanced fintech systems.
A joint report released in May by the Ministry of Economy and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce highlighted that over 40 percent of UAE consumers rely on innovative payment solutions, underscoring the nation’s rapid shift toward digital commerce.
Oil Updates – prices slip on US gasoline stocks buildup
SINGAPORE: Oil prices drifted lower on Thursday after a surprise jump in US gasoline inventories, with investors focusing on this weekend's OPEC+ meeting to discuss oil output policy, according to Reuters.
However, the OPEC+ oil alliance later announced that the 57th Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee meeting and the 38th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting have been rescheduled to Dec. 5. The group cited the Gulf Cooperation Council Summit, set to take place in Kuwait on Dec. 1, as the reason for the postponement.
Brent crude futures fell by 20 cents, or 0.27 percent, to $72.63 per barrel by 10:17 a.m. Saudi time, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures were down 21 cents, or 0.29 percent, at $68.52 a barrel.
Trading is expected to be light due to the US Thanksgiving holidays starting on Thursday.
Oil is likely to retain its near-term bearish momentum as the risks of supply disruption fade in the Middle East and US gasoline inventories stood higher than expected, said Yeap Jun Rong, a market strategist at IG.
US gasoline stocks rose 3.3 million barrels in the week ending on Nov. 22, the US Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday, countering expectations for a small draw in fuel stocks ahead of record holiday travel.
Slowing fuel demand growth in top consumers China and the US has weighed heavily on oil prices this year, although supply cuts from OPEC+ have limited the losses.
OPEC+, which pumps about half the world’s oil, will meet on Sunday. Two sources from the producer group told Reuters on Tuesday that members have been discussing a further delay to a planned oil output hike due to have started in January.
A further deferment, as expected by many in the market, has mostly been factored into oil prices already, said Suvro Sarkar, energy sector team lead at DBS Bank.
“The only question is whether it's a one-month pushback, or three-month, or even longer,” he said.
“That would give the oil market some direction. On the other hand, we would be worried about a dip in oil prices if the deferments don't come.”
OPEC+ had previously said it would gradually roll back oil production cuts with small increases over many months in 2024 and 2025.
Brent and WTI have lost more than 3 percent each so far this week, under pressure from Israel’s agreement to a ceasefire deal with Lebanon’s Hezbollah group. The ceasefire started on Wednesday and helped ease concerns that the conflict could disrupt oil supplies from the Middle East region.
Market participants are uncertain how long the break in fighting will hold, with the broader geopolitical backdrop for oil remaining murky, analysts at ANZ Bank said.
Oil prices are undervalued due to a market deficit, the heads of commodities research at Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley warned in recent days.
They also pointed to a potential risk to Iranian supply from sanctions that might be adopted under US President-elect Donald Trump.
Saudi Arabia boosts R&D spending to $6bn in 2023 amid Vision 2030 push
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia ramped up its research and development spending to SR22.61 billion ($6.02 billion) in 2023, marking a 17.4 percent increase from the previous year, according to official data.
The General Authority for Statistics reported a rise in R&D personnel, with the workforce reaching 49,337 by the end of 2023, up 12.2 percent year on year. Researchers accounted for 36,832 of this figure, representing a 22.1 percent annual growth.
The Kingdom is prioritizing R&D across sectors like energy, technology, and sustainability as part of its Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its oil-dependent economy.
“The percentage distribution of employees in the field of R&D at the level of different sectors indicates that the number of employees in higher education reached 37,540 employees, representing 76.1 percent, followed by the private sector, with 8,810 employees, at 17.9 percent, then the government sector, with 2,987 employees. at 6.1 percent,” GASTAT noted.
The authority also revealed that Saudi Arabia had 32,209 researchers in higher education by the end of 2023. The private and government sectors employed 2,790 and 1,883 researchers, respectively.
In terms of funding, the government sector accounted for the largest share of R&D spending at SR12.12 billion in 2023, representing 53.6 percent of the total. The private sector contributed SR9.31 billion, while the higher education sector received SR1.17 billion.
When it comes to expenditure, the private sector led with SR8.70 billion spent on R&D, followed by the government sector at SR8.66 billion and the higher education sector at SR5.24 billion.
In August, energy giant Saudi Aramco announced a $100 million commitment to fund research and development at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology over the next decade.
The partnership aims to accelerate innovation in Saudi Arabia and develop commercially viable solutions that support the global energy transition and sustainability goals, according to a press statement.
The agreement will focus on areas including energy transition, sustainability, materials science, upstream technologies, and digital solutions.
