The study by the University of South Australia (UniSA) and IMT Atlantique created a virtual reality driving simulator using headsets, testing seven AR visualisations with 28 participants, where information about driving conditions was added, modified and even removed from the simulation. The participants were aged 22-50 and included 18 males and 10 females. Driving-related AR visuals included navigation paths, incoming vehicle alerts and pedestrians; and non-driving visuals ranged from aesthetic modifications to points of interest, such as cafes and dinosaur parks. The researchers found that participants’ trust in autonomous vehicles was “significantly increased” when AR was used. “The AR visuals helped participants understand the autonomous vehicle’s decision-making process, which is especially important in complex traffic scenarios,” said UniSA and IMT Atlantique PhD candidate Hoa Tran, who led the study.
Jayco in court over “off road” caravan ads
The ACCC has instituted proceedings in the Federal Court against Australia’s largest caravan and recreational vehicle manufacturer, Jayco Corporation, “for making allegedly misleading representations when advertising certain models of its RVs in ‘off road’ conditions.” According to a statement from the ACCC on Thursday, it alleges that, since January 2020, Jayco engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct and made false or misleading representations to consumers by representing that its Outback, All Terrain and CrossTrak RVs were designed for use off-road and/or on four-wheel drive (4WD) only tracks when, in fact, they are not. “When a product is depicted in advertisements in a particular setting, or claims are made about it, consumers have a right to expect such images and words reflect the intended use of the product,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said. The ACCC's allegations include that the RVs were not designed for use off-road, on 4WD only tracks, or in the off-road conditions shown in its advertisements, and that Jayco did not disclose, or adequately disclose, in its promotional materials that the relevant RVs were not designed for use off-road and/or on 4WD only tracks, and that the warranty for the relevant RVs would not cover such use.
NSW, Commonwealth governments up incentives for batteries
This week the NSW and federal governments announced that they will double incentives available for NSW households and small businesses to install a solar battery and connect it to a Virtual Power Plant, providing almost $5,000 in upfront benefits for a typical system. The $2.3 billion federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program will support households and small businesses with a discount on the cost of installing small-scale battery systems, reducing the cost of a typical installed battery by around 30 per cent, according to a joint statement. The NSW government will now “almost double its incentive for households and businesses to connect their solar battery to a Virtual Power Plant”, increasing the incentive to up to $1,500 from July 1.
Cyclopharm increases US patent protection by five years
Cyclopharm announced on Wednesday that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted it the maximum allowable patent term extension of five years covering the Technegas Kit (pictured) to 2031. According to the nuclear medicine and molecular imaging business, the the milestone follows a comprehensive review by both the USPTO and the US FDA, confirming the patent qualified for a term extension “under 35 U.S.C. § 156. As a result, the original patent, previously set to expire in 2026, has now been extended to 2031.” The five-year extension granted represents the maximum duration permitted under US law. Managing Director, James McBrayer, said it was a “significant achievement” for the company, and “reflects several years of diligent and strategic work that has been progressing in the background while we worked toward U.S. FDA regulatory approval.”
Major construction now done at Western Sydney International
Sydney’s 24-hour airport is closer to welcoming its first passengers, with major construction works across Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) now complete and the terminal formally unveiled on Wednesday. According to a statement from the federal government, the announcement is a major milestone for the project, “signalling a shift in the airport’s progress from construction to operations in the lead up to its opening in 2026… With major construction now finished, WSI will move on with testing the systems and preparing for airport operations to get ready for passengers and freight.” Over $500 million in contracts have been to approximately 360 Western Sydney-based businesses since the start of construction in 2017. The fit-out of the terminal’s retail precinct and airline lounges will take place closer to the airport’s opening, and “WSI is on track to open for domestic, international and air cargo services in late 2026.”
A.H. Beard becomes Serta licensee for ANZ
Australia’s oldest and longest-standing mattress manufacturer, A.H. Beard, has been announced as exclusive licensee for Serta in Australia and New Zealand, effective July 1. In a statement last week, the Australian company — established in 1899 — said the agreement represented “a significant milestone for both companies” and a step forward in expanding Serta brand across the region. “It’s a privilege to join forces with Serta in Australia and New Zealand,” said Garry Beard, Chairman and Managing Director of A.H. Beard. “This partnership represents a powerful opportunity to grow our business, diversify our offerings, and provide consumers with some of the most advanced sleep solutions in the world. We’re excited about what we can achieve together as a team.”
Picture: credit Cyclopharm
