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1 week ago
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Autonomous vehicles operating at regular speeds in German public transport
Self-driving cars that take part in normal road traffic in a defined service area at normal speed – this is becoming a reality for the first time in Germany with KIRA, AI-based regular operation of autonomous on-demand transport. The project is kicking off in Darmstadt and the district of Offenbach.
Autonomous driving is a crucial step for the expansion of public transport and the implementation of the mobility transition, particularly in times of driver shortages. The electrically powered on-demand shuttles, which can be booked via an app, are an important element of public transport services, particularly in rural area and small towns.
The operating area
To learn how autonomous on-demand vehicles can be integrated into existing public transport services in the long term, it is important to gather experience in both rural and urban transport environments.
The KIRA shuttles operate in parts of the city of Darmstadt and in the western part of the Offenbach district. They move freely on the approved road network while always choosing the best route.
The operating area will be gradually expanded with the start of the test rides.
The technology: redundant sensor systems, modern vehicles and highly specialised personnel provide for safety and a high level of ride comfort
The autonomous driving system: KIRA uses the Mobileye Drive™ autonomous driving system. The system integrated into the KIRA vehicles is based on a combination of camera, radar and lidar sensors as well as intelligent data from the driving environment. A mathematical safety model also provides a set of rules for autonomous driving.
Both systems – camera and radar/lidar – work independently. Should one system fail, the other system can continue to ensure operation.
The advantage of using different sensors is that a comprehensive model of the driving environment is produced at all times and the vehicle can be operated autonomously, including in adverse weather conditions, for example.
The vehicle
The NIO ES8 with the Mobileye autonomous driving system installed can master complex driving situations and drives autonomously at normal speeds of up to 130 km/h. The electric vehicle has a range of approximately 400 km and can seat three passengers in the configuration for KIRA trial service.
For safe autonomous driving
One of the most important trial operation objectives is to gradually test and optimise all safety-relevant processes. The legal basis for this is provided by the Autonome-Fahrzeuge-Genehmigungs-und-Betriebsverordnung (Autonomous Vehicle Authorisation and Operation Ordinance), which is being applied here for the first time in public transport.
Technical supervision
Technical supervision in the control centre is an important element of autonomous driving for later regular operation without a safety driver. Technical supervision is being tested as part of the project. Employees monitor the vehicles and approve manoeuvres after assessing the situation on the basis of camera images and data.
Safety driver
During KIRA trial operation, trained safety personnel will be on board at all times to monitor, validate and intervene in the event of an incident. Other than that, the safety drivers do not use their hands or feet, i.e. the vehicle drives completely autonomously.
Digital passenger assistance in the cabin
A digital cabin management system enables audiovisual interaction between passengers and Technical Supervision. In the event of an incident, passengers can initiate contact via an easily visible button.
Field team
As with other public transport services, a team of technical specialists is available at KIRA in the event of unplanned incidents and can resolve any problems on site.
A strong partner network from transport, technology, government, industry and science for the public transport of the future
KIRA is a research and development project. Strong partners characterised by a willingness to innovate and dedication are crucial to its success. Each project partner contributes its own expertise, products and services.
