Autonomous public travel

Image Source: WIRED

Generally this means buses, especially when used as a complete, individually coordinated transport system for urban environments such as the latest wave of Bus Rapid Transit (brT) systems.

CityPilot technology

Now Daimler has unveiled what it thinks urban public transport will look like in the future in the form of its semi-automated city bus with CityPilot. Connectivity plus camera and radar systems with data fusion are catapulting the city bus into the future. Mercedes-Benz is showing this technology with its Future Bus with CityPilot.

The technology of the CityPilot in the bus is based on that of the autonomously driving Mercedes-Benz Actros truck with Highway Pilot presented two years ago. It has, however, undergone substantial further development specifically for use in a city bus, with numerous added functions. The company says it is able to recognise traffic lights, communicate with them and safely negotiate junctions controlled by them. It can also recognise obstacles, especially pedestrians, on the road and brake autonomously. It approaches bus stops automatically, where it opens and closes its doors.

Just under a dozen cameras scan the road and surroundings, while long and short-range radar systems constantly monitor the route ahead. There is also a GPS system. Thanks to data fusion, all the data received creates a precise picture and allow the bus to be positioned to within centimetres. This already works in practice, as demonstrated by the world premiere of the CityPilot on a route covering almost 20km, with a number of tight bends, tunnels, numerous bus stops and involving high speeds for a city bus.

This semi-automated city bus improves safety, as it relieves its driver's workload and nothing remains hidden from its cameras and radar systems. It also eradicates the issues related to bad driver habits, a major problem in SA.

New design

The around 12m long solo bus is based on the company's Citaro platform but is a new departure in terms of exterior and interior design. Its lines and contours take their lead from city architecture. The passenger compartment is divided into three zones for different lengths of stay. Designer seats are loosely arranged along the walls in each zone. Innovative grab rails reflect a park-like theme by branching upwards like trees. The ceiling lighting resembles a leaf canopy. Operators are able to relay information and entertainment via large monitors in the middle segment of the passenger compartment.

The newly designed cockpit is an integral part of the interior space. The driver receives the information he/she requires from a large screen with an innovative display.

It is making its first public journey on part of Europe's longest brT route in the Netherlands. This links Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport with the town of Haarlem. This almost 20km long route is a real challenge as it has numerous bends and passes through tunnels and across junctions with traffic lights.

Source: Business Day