Volvo is showcasing its groundbreaking autonomous bus prototype to specially invited guests at the Volvo Ocean Race competition in Gothenburg, Sweden. Based on Volvo's existing electric city bus, the 12-metre autonomous vehicle is designed to contribute to safer, more comfortable travel for passengers.
The bus is programmed to accelerate and brake gently and smoothly when starting off and stopping. At bus stops, it will always halt in exactly the same position, with the same gap between the bus and the platform for convenient entry and exit. It is also equipped with sensors that maintain a constant watch around the vehicle. Information from the sensors is used to navigate the vehicle, and is also intended to prevent accidents by identifying objects approaching the bus, adjusting its speed accordingly or stopping the bus. The autonomous bus is designed for smooth driving to ensure its operation is as energy-efficient and economical as possible.
“With low noise level and emission-free operation, electric bus systems provide an excellent alternative for attractive and sustainable public transport. With various degrees of automation, we can make even further progress regarding safety, comfort and efficiency. Leveraging Volvo Group technologies, we will demonstrate these opportunities for the future during the Volvo Ocean Race,” says Håkan Agnevall, President Volvo Buses.
“The technology also permits more efficient vehicle handling when the bus is not in traffic operation. With autonomous buses depot staff can focus on service and maintenance instead of having to charge the batteries, drive to the bus wash and park the bus. Tomorrow’s buses will be able to do all this on their own," he adds.
The bus will also be used for research into bus platooning, where buses drive in close convoy in urban traffic.
“Volvo has been a pioneer within high capacity transport systems based on buses, so called Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). Now we take the next step by using automation to wirelessly connect the buses to bus trains with high flexibility”, says Håkan Agnevall.
During the next two years the bus will be used in two automotive research projects – FFI’s Autonomous City Buses project and KRABAT. FFI is the Strategic Vehicle Research and Innovation Programme, a cooperative venture between the automotive industry and the Swedish state. KRABAT is part of the Swedish government’s joint programme entitled “Next-generation travel and transport”, financed partly by Vinnova through Drive Sweden.
Earlier this year Volvo Buses launched a joint autonomous electric bus project with the leading Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore for developing and trialling autonomous buses in Singapore. Volvo Group has previously demonstrated autonomous vehicles for mining and refuse operations.
The autonomous Volvo bus is presented within the framework of ElectriCity’s participation at the Volvo Ocean Race. ElectriCity is a joint project between the research community, industry and the City of Gothenburg.
For more information about the ElectriCity partnership, see electricitygoteborg.se