What Will the Future Autonomous Shuttle Look Like?
This page is translated from the original post "À quoi ressemblera la navette autonome du futur ?" in French.
- 06/01/2023 13:00
The automotive supplier ZF has introduced a shuttle equipped with Level 4 autonomous driving capable of traveling 129 km on a single charge.
ZF took advantage of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to unveil an autonomous shuttle. Called simply Next Generation Shuttle, the model features Level 4 autonomous driving technology. It relies on lidar sensors, radar, camera, and audio to give the model a detailed view of its environment. The ZF autonomous driving software processes all this information to enable the vehicle to drive itself in urban environments.
ZF’s autonomous shuttles will reach 40 km/h
ZF stated that the autonomous shuttle will have a battery capacity of 50 to 100 kWh. This allows it to travel up to 129 km on a single charge. The vehicle’s maximum speed will be 40 km/h, but in the future, the company plans to double this speed to 80 km/h. The shuttle features both front and rear steering as well as a kneeling function. This feature will help the shuttle “dock precisely and provide obstacle-free boarding and disembarking.”
Stylistically, the model resembles a fairly traditional shuttle. It features a streamlined design with LED lighting units and a large side window. Many sensors and sliding doors can also be seen.
A capacity of 22 people
ZF only provided a few glimpses of the cabin. The autonomous shuttle can accommodate up to 22 passengers, although only 15 will find seats. We also see a range of elegant color options and a faux wood floor. Screens display information about upcoming stops. According to ZF, the interior is customizable and “meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act“. It includes an automatic ramp and restraints for wheelchair users.
In addition to launching the autonomous shuttle, ZF announced a strategic partnership with mobility service provider Beep. The agreement involves delivering several thousand shuttles to clients over the coming years. If all goes as planned, public transport operators will be able to offer passengers autonomous, zero-emission trips 24/7 without the need for a driver.
We also suggestthese articles:
Also read
