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Ford CEO Farley explains the business factors behind Argo AI's shuttering
Shortly after news broke that self-driving subsidiary Argo AI will be closed, Ford CEO Jim Farley spoke during the company's Q3 earnings call about that decision.
Ford's autonomous cars are delivering fresh produce in Miami
Ford and Argo AI have launched a pilot that uses self-driving cars to deliver fresh produce to Miami-area students learning at home during the pandemic.
Ford delays self-driving taxis to 2022
Ford is putting the future of being autonomously driven on hold until 2022 as it grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Carnegie Mellon will help Argo AI advance its self-driving vehicle tech
Ford's autonomous vehicle arm Argo AI is already testing self-driving vehicles in a handful of cities. But the company has a few key puzzles to solve before it can deploy its fleets on a large scale. To help answer the remaining questions -- like how can autonomous vehicles reason in highly unstructured broken-traffic conditions -- Argo is partnering with Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). The newly formed Carnegie Mellon University Argo AI Center for Autonomous Vehicle Research will work to advance the next-generation of self-driving tech.
VW may pour $1.7 billion into Ford's self-driving car venture
VW and Ford may be serious about partnering on self-driving cars. Wall Street Journal sources claim VW has tentatively agreed to invest a total of $1.7 billion in Ford's autonomy-focused Argo subsidiary and turn it into an "equally held joint venture." While the exact plans for the partnership weren't mentioned, VW could bring a number of its related efforts to the table, including its Moia mobility service brand as well as Audi's Autonomous Intelligent Driving group.
Ford is the first company to test self-driving cars in Washington, DC
Washington, DC has taken some steps to govern self-driving cars, but now it's finally going to see those cars in action. Ford and its partner Argo AI have unveiled plans to test their autonomous vehicles in the US capital with an eye toward commercial service in 2021. The duo already has cars on the road, and will spend the next year expanding its test fleet until it's operating in all eight wards. Yes, you might just see one of these vehicles roaming near the National Mall.
Ford will test self-driving car service on Miami streets
Ford is venturing well beyond its home turf of Michigan to test its fledgling self-driving delivery service. The automaker has revealed a pilot program that will see its autonomous vehicles roaming the streets of downtown Miami and Miami Beach. The initial test will separate the delivery and self-driving products, and will gauge what works for both customers and companies. How do you pick up your delivery from a self-driving car, for example, and how far are people willing to walk to get their grub? Domino's is active right now, while Postmates should be available in March.
Floating robots will find out what keeps the Indian Ocean healthy
Believe it or not, scientists don't know a lot about how the Indian Ocean works. Without many samples, researchers are frequently left in the dark about the ways that fish, plankton and other aquatic life flourishes in the area. That won't be a challenge for much longer, though. Australia's national science agency is launching a fleet of BioArgo robots that will measure both the biological and physical traits of the ocean to learn what makes it healthy. Much like the Argo machines studying Arctic waters, they'll float deep underwater (nearly 6,600 feet) and drift with the current. They'll usually need to surface only when they're transmitting their findings. Combined with satellite imagery, the BioArgo drones should give researchers a true "3-dimensional picture" of the Indian Ocean -- important when a sixth of the human population depends on this sea for basics like food and transportation.
Arctic drone is tough enough to monitor icy waters
Sure, there are already drones out there that can take a bruising, but can they survive the brutally cold Arctic Ocean? Laval University's Argo drone can. The newly developed robotic submersible can reach depths of 6,560 feet as it collects data about organisms in bitterly cold waters, and its laser scanning system helps it avoid ice whenever it returns to the surface to transmit data. Not that Argo needs to poke its head above the water very often -- it can run for up to four years at a time. The machine is still in testing at the moment. If everything goes well, however, the drone will be tracking the biological effects of climate change within a matter of months. [Image credits: AP Photo/John McConnico (top), Claudie Marec/Laval University (bottom)]
Argo Online slides into open beta
Bhagpuss over at Inventory Full pointed out that Argo Online has transitioned from closed to open beta in the past week or two. The steampunk post-apocalyptic MMO is now accepting any and all players who want to give this title a try. The open beta patch includes the opening of the in-game arena. Argo Online was formerly run by Alaplaya in 2011, killed, and then subsequently resurrected by the current operators, UserGames.
Steampunk MMO Argo Online resurfaces with a new beta round
MMO vets might remember steampunk hybrid-MMO Argo Online from its 2011 debut on Alaplaya, but apparently it's now being run by Games-Masters.com on UserGames.com, complete with a refreshed testing period. In fact, the first round of beta testing is slated to begin April 10th, which gives interested parties a tiny window to sign up on the official site. According to the press release, beta participants will earn an exclusive bundle of launch items including a title and minipet. The game still boasts steampunk-flavored wearables and mounts, 16 classes, guild housing, a castle war siege system, and a "unique optional third-person shooter mode, allowing for fast, fluid, dynamic combat with smart-casting skills." We've posted the trailer below. [Source: Games-Masters.com press release]
Argo Medical refreshes ReWalk Rehabilitation exoskeleton
Roughly two years after the launch of the ReWalk, Argo Medical Technologies is getting ready to refresh its assisted walking exoskeleton. The 2.0 version of the ReWalk's Rehabilitation model made its debut today, sporting a new Rapid Exchange slider that makes it easier to size the device to fit wearers in the physical rehabilitation settings for which it was built, making it easier to use the device with a number of different patients. Also new is the Beginner Gait Mode -- revamped software aimed to soften the learning curve for those new to the device. The Rehabilitation is one of two ReWalk models offered up by the company. Its counterpart, the ReWalk Personal, is, as its name implies, intended for home usage. That model is currently awaiting FDA approval here in the States. More info on the new exoskeleton can be found after the break in the form of a handy press release.
ARGO Online's biggest content update goes live today
The additional high-level content that fans have been anticipating for ARGO Online is finally here! The biggest content update for the steampunk free-to-play game goes live today and includes an increased level cap, a new flying continent, and a PvP arena. The new flying continent of Naviruo is designed with content for characters level 50 to 55 and contains more than 400 new quests, over 300 new types of monsters, and seven additional dungeons. Lower-level characters might not be able to survive the new continent, but they can enjoy the new PvP arena that allows players from level 30 on up to participate in duels on one of three different maps. The PvP-minded can also enjoy the new battlefield Arathidis Valley, where 18-man teams can face off. [Source: ProSiebenSat.1 press release]
More content incoming for ARGO Online, including a new arena system
Last month, ARGO Online received a hefty patch adding new goodies as well as raising the level cap. Today, the free-to-play steampunk game announced that more high-level content is on its way. This next set of goodies includes a new continent, a PvP dueling arena, and an even higher level cap. Lower-level characters need not despair about being left out of the upcoming content; all players level 30 and higher can enjoy the new arena. Dubbed Spirit of Warriors, the arena allows players to band together in teams regardless of faction to participate in 3v3 or 5v5 battles on any of the three maps. The best two out of three rounds wins the match. Winners will receive titles, veteran points for ranking, and possibly even precious medals that can be traded for rare set items. [Source: ARGO Online press release]
Massive ARGO Online patch raises level cap, adds new dungeons and quests
Remember ARGO Online, the free-to-play steampunk fantasy MMO that launched in early 2011? If not, now's as good a time as any to refresh your memory since the game is about to undergo the largest content update in its history. First up is a max-level increase (to 55), followed by a new "expert" island called Naviruo, which is geared toward level 50-plus players. Here you'll find more than 400 new quests that continue the tale of conflict between the Floresslah and Nobilan factions. There are also seven new dungeons to satiate your PvE and PvP appetites, not to mention over 300 new types of monsters to make things a little more challenging. As always, more info is available at the official ARGO website. [Source: ProSiebenSat.1 Games press release]
ARGO Online celebrates new ranking system with contest
Games paying us to play? Ridiculous! What's next -- dogs and cats sleeping together? Mass hysteria? 'Tis true, dear readers; ARGO Online is rewarding top players with in-game AP worth hundreds of real-world dollars. This giveaway is part of a promotion to celebrate ARGO's brand-new ranking system, in which players can compete to see who accumulates the most XP in each level tier. There's also a second ranking ladder that lists players according to wins and losses. During this month, alaplaya is tallying up the initial pack leaders and will be rewarding the best of the best with in-game currency at the end of the 30 days. Lowest level characters have a shot at $50 worth of AP while level-capped folks can compete for $150. In total, alaplaya is giving out $500 just for players giving ARGO their all, which is a pretty sweet deal for those already into the game. If ARGO Online is an unknown entity to you, check out our first impressions and see if it's up your alley!
First Impressions: ARGO Online
Ask any of the Massively staff and they will gladly tell you that I have a borderline obsessive fascination with all things steampunk (HNNNNGH!), so I was rather pleased when I found out that the subject of my next first impressions column was ARGO Online, which bills itself as a steampunk fantasy MMORPG. But of course, whether I'm borderline obsessive or not, a steampunk setting does not necessarily make a good game. ARGO is very much what most expect out of a westernized Korean free-to-play MMO; it's rife with translation issues, grindy quests, and inadequately explained systems. But despite all of that, there are a few interesting features to be found buried in the sand. What are these features? And moreover, do they make the game worth playing? Follow past the cut to find out.
Get your steampunk on with a model blaster from Massively and ARGO Online
Do you love all things steampunk? Have you been indulging that preference in ARGO Online? Well, that's about to pay off thanks to Massively's latest giveaway. The ARGO Online development team has given us some awesome model blasters sure to delight any steampunk fan. The first prize winner will receive the Big Daddy, an 11.25-inch revolver complete with display stand. Three second prize winners will receive The Consolidator, a smaller raygun model, also with a display stand. So what do you have to do to get your hands on one of these? Play some ARGO, of course! Send your best screenshot of steampunk gameplay in ARGO Online to rubi@massively.com by noon EDT on Monday, May 9th. Let us know what area of ARGO you took it in and what we're seeing, and we'll choose the four best on Monday and send each winner one of these deadly looking little beauties. In the meantime, check out our gallery below for a detailed look at your potential new toys. Please read our contest rules for eligibility information, and good luck to all! %Gallery-122999%
ARGO Online launch day is here
burda:ic has announced the official launch of its steampunk/sci-fi/fantasy hybrid ARGO Online. The free-to-play game is shedding its open beta skin and welcoming players to the 23rd century, according to a new press release that details everything the burgeoning title has to offer. New ARGOnauts will take on the role of World War IV survivors, and they'll don their choice of two factional mantles (the tech-savvy Noblian or the nature-loving Floresslah) before embarking on a journey rife with quests, dungeons, and PvP. ARGO Online features eight classes, traditional guild and auction house systems, as well as pet and achievement mechanics designed to immerse players in a unique F2P experience. Head to the game's official website for more info.
New ARGO Online trailer shows off Naihill content
burda:ic has released the newest trailer for ARGO Online, the steampunk-fantasy MMO currently going through its open beta phase. The clip features footage from the newly discovered continent of Naihill, which has expanded ARGO's post-apocalyptic world and its content. In addition to new lands (and dungeons) to explore, Naihill offers new PvP battles, new mounts, and new pets and is currently available for open beta participants to experience. The video clip clocks in at just under two and a half minutes and is composed of equal parts fly-through footage, PvE combat, and PvP action. See for yourself after the cut.
