In our visit to the city of Sion, canton Valais, Switzerland, It really caught our attention to see this small bus going through the streets of the historic center without any driver. We were surprised to see the person in charge of the vehicle taking notes comfortably inside the vehicle, supported on one of its internal fronts and without acting absolutely any mechanism. “He drives alone!!!”, We exclaim and we pray.
Thinking about the possible mobility modes of tomorrow, The Postauto Transport and Correos de Switzer, The Polytechnic of Lausana, The city of Zion and the Canton Valais, They have started a test with a small bus with their own autonomy. The project called “SmartSchuttle”, of French society Navya, Study the feasibility of providing a transport service in areas where other transport media have no access, as are the historical helmets of the cities and pedestrian areas or closed to traffic.
A pilot test began in Zion, In the summer of 2016 With two small autonomous buses, They travel 1,5 kilometers in the urban center. Visitors of the city and the inhabitants of Zion can make this tour free of charge, The time that the experiment lasts.
Prototypes are equipped with electric motor, they make the route at a maximum speed of 20km/h and can transport a maximum of 11 passengers. They have a GPS navigation system, which allows to determine its exact position at any time. Its length is 4,80 meters and its width of 2,05 meters. The vehicle does not even have a steering wheel, Neither with brake nor accelerator. The set of sensors with which they are endowed grants these mini buses the possibility of driving day and night, detect obstacles and lessen the march. They also have an emergency button that can be activated if necessary. While you don't need a driver, There will always be an expert on board while the bus is moving.
With the pilot test it is intended to establish whether the circulation of this small autonomous bus in public areas and historical helmets where other media does not arrive, It is really feasible and provides an improvement in transport in these special areas.
For those who wish to experience a walk in this special bus, There will be time until 20 October 2017.
Photos and info: https://www.postauto.ch/de/smartshuttle
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