<div>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        Nikola Motor Company (Nikola), a developer of heavy-duty battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) trucks, reported its Q1 2021 results today and revealed that the company is nearing completion of its manufacturing facility in Ulm, Germany, which started as a joint venture (JV) with the Italian alternative fuel-powered vehicle manufacturer, IVECO. The company plans to begin trial production in June this year while also developing another facility in Coolidge, Arizona.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        The company has commissioned and validated testing of its first batch of five beta Nikola Tre BEVs produced at its German facility in Q1 2021. The second batch of beta Nikola Tre BEVs is nearing completion at the same facility, with plans to ship them to the company's headquarters in Arizona for testing. The company has also started assembling Nikola Tre FCEV alphas at its two facilities in Germany and Arizona this quarter.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        Nikola also announced a collaboration with Total Transportation, a California-based port trucking company, for vehicle trials at the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach and signed a letter of intent (LOI) to order 100 Nikola BEV and FCEV semi-trucks.&nbsp;
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        Nikola develops hybrid (battery-electric and hydrogen electric-powered) heavy-duty trucks, as well as energy infrastructure solutions. The company has announced several zero-emissions vehicle design concepts since 2016, including Nikola One, Nikola Two, Nikola Tre, and Nikola Reckless.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <p>
  </p>
</div>


<div>
  <p>
    <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nikola-corporation-reports-first-quarter-2021-results-301286392.html">
      Press Release
    </a>
  </p>
  <p>
    <a href="https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1731289/000173128921000071/nkla-20210331.htm">
      Nikola Corporation
    </a>
  </p>
</div>


Truck Industry Tech

Nikola to begin trial production in June; secures 100 more preorders in Q1 2021

Foundation Models

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

<div>

<p>AI-powered search engine, Perplexity AI, has secured USD 62.7 million in a funding round headed by investor Daniel Gross. Other contributors include Stanley Druckenmiller, Y Combinator's Garry Tan, Figma Inc. CEO Dylan Field, and previous investors such as Jeff Bezos and NVIDIA Corp, bringing the company's valuation to over USD 1 billion.</p>
<p>The raised amount will be directed towards the firm's global expansion ambitions and efforts to grow its user base. Perplexity has also introduced a service, Enterprise Pro, aimed at businesses, equipped with advanced security and privacy features which are available for a monthly fee of USD 40. High-profile corporations such as Zoom and HP have already incorporated this service.</p>
<p>In order to broaden its reach, Perplexity has partnered with telecom giants including SoftBank Corp. in Japan, and Germany's Deutsche Telekom AG. These partnerships will assist in marketing Perplexity's offerings to both consumer and business clientele.</p>

</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> This news comes just three months after the company raised <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/25210"> USD 73.6 million </a> in a Series B round to support its expansion plans. The move to launch a new plan and enter several partnerships signify Perplexity's intent to scale globally and reflect its capability to influence and possibly lead the future of AI-driven search technologies.</p>

Perplexity AI raises USD 63 million in new funding; launches Enterprise Pro

New technologies are opening up mental health services to previously overbooked and underserved populations.

Mental Health Tech

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>
 
 <p>Headspace, a California-based company, has launched a new mental health coaching service for its direct-to-consumer subscribers. The service, priced at USD 99.99 per month, offers one-on-one support for various life challenges. The coaches, trained with clinically validated techniques, provide a personalized and action-oriented approach to care that includes setting realistic goals, fostering new habits, motivating change, and taking responsibility for their own success. Headspace claims that this service is more accessible and affordable compared to therapy.</p>
 <p>Apart from individual coaching, Headspace provides a range of mental healthcare services such as coaching therapy, psychiatry, and meditation mindfulness tools, all delivered through a smartphone app. They also offer stress management and sleep therapy solutions. Furthermore, they run a "Headspace for Work" program targeting businesses. </p>
 
 </div>

Headspace introduces direct-to-consumer mental health coaching services

Exploring the limitless possibilities of AI

Generative AI Applications

<div>
 
 <p>GenAI-powered search engine Perplexity AI has secured USD 62.7 million in a funding round. The round was led by Daniel Gross and saw contributions from Stanley Druckenmiller, Garry Tan of Y Combinator, Dylan Field, CEO of Figma Inc., and former supporters including Jeff Bezos and NVIDIA Corp. The successful round has pushed Perplexity AI's valuation past the USD 1 billion mark.</p>
 <p>The newly acquired funds will enable Perplexity to focus on expanding its reach globally and bolstering its user base.&nbsp;</p>
 <p>The company has also introduced Enterprise Pro, a service designed specifically for business use that offers enhanced security and privacy features, for USD 40 per month. Major corporations such as Zoom and HP have already started utilizing this service.</p>
 <p>Additionally, Perplexity has entered into partnerships with telecommunications firms including Japan's SoftBank Corp. and Germany's Deutsche Telekom AG. These partnerships aim to augment Perplexity's impact by promoting its capabilities to both consumer and business customers.</p>

</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> This news comes just three months after the company raised <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/25210"> USD 73.6 million </a> in a Series B round to support its expansion plans. The move to launch a new plan and enter several partnerships signify Perplexity's intent to scale globally and reflect its capability to influence and possibly lead the future of AI-driven search technologies.</p>

<div>

 <p>Moveworks has launched a new service called Moveworks Copilot, an AI platform for enterprise support. This service allows employees to interact with business systems using everyday language and is now available to the public. The main features provided by the Moveworks Copilot are Copilot Search, Copilot Automations, and Copilot Productivity.</p>
 <p>Copilot Search aids employees in finding specific, personalized data across numerous applications through a simple chat interface. Copilot Automations enables changes to be made in any enterprise system directly from the chat promptly. Through Copilot Productivity, employees have the capability to compose emails, summarise documents, and handle their calendars within daily collaboration platforms such as Slack and Teams.</p>

</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> The company states that the new service will streamline how employees interact with business applications. It pulls critical data, activates the right workflows, automates processes, and offers relevant insights from a company's applications. This functionality aims to help employees maximize the potential of their technical stack.</p>

Moveworks launches upgraded Copilot for enhanced employee support

Autonomous and connected technologies shaping the future of the auto industry

Auto Tech

INCUMBENTS_PRESENT

<div>
 <p>Luminar Technologies, a LiDAR sensor manufacturer, has collaborated with Applied Intuition, a vehicle software supplier, to create advanced driver-assistance systems and autonomous driving technologies. Their initial product offering includes validated sensor models of Luminar LiDARs for testing in Applied Intuition's sensor simulator.</p>
 <p>This tool allows simulation of real-world scenarios, enhancing safety measures and decreasing testing expenses. Other features incorporated are sensor model validation by Luminar, efficient cloud simulation test running and performance assessment.</p>
 <p>Both companies are aiming to soon provide validated sensor models of Luminar LiDARs, "Iris" and "Iris+". Expected to be released in the future is Luminar's latest LiDAR sensor, the "Halo", a compact, affordable solution ideal for vehicles like low-cost cars.</p>
 <p>Luminar has also begun production and delivery of automotive-grade LiDAR sensors for Volvo Cars. This marks a major breakthrough as the Volvo EX90 is the first consumer vehicle to standardize this technology.</p>
</div>

Luminar Technologies partners with Applied Intuition for LiDAR simulation; unveils compact LiDAR version ‘Halo'; starts shipping LiDAR for Volvo

<div>
 <p>Helm.ai, a company specializing in the development of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) software, autonomous driving software, and robotics, has announced the release of a new high-quality virtual scenario generation model. This model, which is based on neural networks, is designed with the goal of improving AI software for the development of ADAS and autonomous driving systems.</p>
 <p>Helm.ai's revolutionary technology can create virtual driving scenarios that feature a wide range of conditions, such as various weather and lighting situations, and different geographical environments. Furthermore, it includes detailed road features, which facilitate the training and validation of AI systems in handling rare or uncommon driving scenarios.</p>
 <p>This technology has the additional advantage of flexibility. Users are able to input either text or images to generate specific driving scenes to use in testing and development. This feature greatly enhances the efficiency and scalability of the training of perception software, which is key for autonomous vehicles.</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> Helm.ai has enhanced its product offerings with new features. The company also introduced <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/25060"> Deep Neural Network (DNN)-based foundation models </a> in December 2023 to predict vehicular and pedestrian behaviors and to anticipate autonomous vehicle paths.</p>

Helm.ai launches high-fiidelity virtual scenario generation models for perception simulation

<div>
 <p>China-based autonomous driving technology firm, Momenta, is collaborating with automotive tech company, Qualcomm, to introduce a suite of scalable solutions for improved driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving functions. These solutions incorporate Momenta's "One flywheel" technology and Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon Ride platform, supporting various scenarios such as highway and urban navigation. The plan is to implement these solutions in vehicle models later in the year.</p>
 <p>In addition to this, Momenta and Qualcomm are planning additional developments through the newest Snapdragon technology, aiming to enhance the integration of in-cabin and driving functions.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> This partnership will help accelerate the development of in-vehicle systems and highly automated driving functions to improve the driving experience, emphasizing safety and innovation in the automotive industry. Qualcomm has been partnering with automakers, including <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/21544"> BMW </a> and <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/20653"> Hyundai </a> , for similar purposes.</p>

Momenta and Qualcomm partner to create scalable intelligent driving solutions for ADAS and autonomous driving functions

Technologies bringing about a new reality

Extended Reality

<div>
 <p>The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an initiative called the Home as a Health Care Hub to incorporate home environments into the healthcare system. This initiative makes use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies.</p>
 <p>In order to actualize this, the FDA has teamed up with an architectural firm to help in conceptualizing the transformation. They aim to have a prototype of this product ready by the end of the year. The initiative will focus specifically on developing structures in rural and low-income communities, with a particular emphasis on diabetes as the primary health concern.</p>
</div>

FDA announces Home as Health Care Hub project for improved health equity

<div>
 <p>According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has reportedly reduced its shipment forecasts for the Vision Pro headset due to a decrease in demand. It is said that Apple anticipates selling around 400,000–450,000 units in 2024, as opposed to the earlier market consensus of 700,000–800,000 units. This development may prompt Apple to reassess its headset roadmap, potentially pushing back the release of a more affordable version of the Vision Pro headset till after 2025.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> The reported downward revision in headset shipments is likely due to the Vision Pro’s price tag of USD 3,500, compared to more budget-friendly alternatives such as the Quest 3 (USD 500). Additionally, the news follows Sony reportedly <a href="https:<br>
//www.roadtovr.com/report-sony-psvr-2-pauses-production-low-sales/"> pausing </a> production of its PSVR 2 headset as the company looks to clear out excess inventory.&nbsp;</p>

Apple reportedly cuts Vision Pro headset shipment forecasts amid softening demand

<div>
 <p>DPVR, a China-based firm, has revealed its latest innovation, the E4 Arc VR headset, set to ship at the end of May. It features Ultraleap's Leap Motion Controller 2 hand-tracking camera, which allows users to interact with virtual reality settings without the need for separate controllers.</p>
 <p>The E4 Arc headset is specifically developed for arcade game creators, corporate training programmes, and 3D designers. The included Ultraleap hand-tracking camera facilitates collaborative spatial design, prototyping, and visualization of CAD designs. In addition, the headset is designed with a cooling system for temperature regulation and easily replaceable cables for straightforward maintenance.</p>
 <p>Furthermore, DPVR's R&amp;D team is performing compatibility tests for hand-tracking supported games in the SteamVR library. This includes popular titles like Half-Life: Alyx and VRChat.</p>

</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> The E4 Arc headset likely incorporates the new cooling and audio systems announced by the company in <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/27053"> February 2024 </a> , and follows the launch of its E4C headset in <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/22921"> October 2023 </a> , tailored toward VR arcade operators. Additionally, Ultraleap’s Leap Motion 2 Controller (launched in <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/18981"> May 2023 </a> and priced at USD 139), offers improved camera resolution, a wider field-of-view (FOV), and lower power consumption than its predecessor.&nbsp;</p>

All Updates

Perplexity AI raises USD 63 million in new funding; launches Enterprise Pro

Headspace introduces direct-to-consumer mental health coaching services

Perplexity AI raises USD 63 million in new funding; launches Enterprise Pro

Moveworks launches upgraded Copilot for enhanced employee support

Luminar Technologies partners with Applied Intuition for LiDAR simulation; unveils compact LiDAR version ‘Halo'; starts shipping LiDAR for Volvo

Helm.ai launches high-fiidelity virtual scenario generation models for perception simulation

Momenta and Qualcomm partner to create scalable intelligent driving solutions for ADAS and autonomous driving functions

FDA announces Home as Health Care Hub project for improved health equity

Apple reportedly cuts Vision Pro headset shipment forecasts amid softening demand

DPVR announces launch of hand-tracking-supported E4 Arc VR headset