100% Autonomous Driving (Completely Removing Any Attendant From On-Board)

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© Clément Aubourg
Written by
Keolis
Launching a fleet of 100% autonomous shuttles with no operators? A worldwide first and a feat achieved by Keolis and its partner EasyMile on the SEMA autonomous mobility testing site in Châteauroux.
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100% autonomous driving with no operator

A futuristic project


The development of Level 4 “No Op” vehicles represents an ambitious goal for shared mobility: it offers new ways to improve the passenger experience and can solve issues caused by driver shortages. Level 4 autonomy tests are an essential step in preparing for these vehicles’ future on the roads in total safety.

Innovation: Testing the newest autonomous shuttles at SEMA

 

EasyMile, the world's leading provider of intelligent mobility solutions and driverless technology, has accomplished the level of safety necessary to develop No Op for public transportation, which sets them apart as the only company to achieve this feat. Keolis has spent 18 months testing two of EasyMile's third-generation fully autonomous shuttles, with a particular emphasis on the navigation software and safety systems. The trials took place at SEMA, in the National Shooting Center (CNTS) of Châteauroux, a private location free of vehicle traffic, providing the ideal testing conditions. During these trials, 300 hours of driving were conducted with an operator, and 77 hours were operated in No Op mode.

As part of these trials on December 6, the two autonomous shuttles transported visitors for the first time on the CNTS site, during the inauguration of a new building. Working from a supervision center in Paris, a Keolis agent maintained the ability to stop and restart the vehicle at any time. Passengers also had the opportunity to communicate with the supervisor through a system of intercoms and cameras installed in the vehicle.
 

EASYMILE: THE ONLY COMPANY AUTHORIZED TO DEVELOP NO OP FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The benefits of fully driverless in total safety

 

In the upcoming sports events at the CNTS shooting center, EasyMile's autonomous shuttles will transport athletes and spectators between the shooting booths and the main parking area. This event provides an excellent platform to showcase the advantages of No Op, with an assurance of total safety, as the vehicles will be inspected by an operator before every use, who will be readily available to address any issues that may arise.
 

Next steps: rolling out autonomous vehicles in downtown areas

 

While EasyMile’s autonomous shuttles are on track at the CNTS, Keolis aims above all to roll out these no operator services in downtown areas by 2025. The Group’s ambition is to offer several specific lines in addition to its existing transit offer.


Originally published on: Keolis Innovation