RABus partners unveil autonomous project shuttle in Friedrichshafen

Technology Day on Saturday, April 27 in Friedrichshafen

Self-driving buses - set to become a reality in Friedrichshafen on a trial basis. On the Technology Day on Saturday, April 27 at Franziskusplatz in Friedrichshafen, the RABus partners will present the project shuttle with the latest technology for autonomous driving, which is intended to gather important findings for the use of autonomous vehicles on public roads. Trials are due to start in the summer. The project is funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Transport.

The Technology Day showcases the mobility of tomorrow. Visitors can find out more and experience developments first-hand from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The project partners, Stadtverkehr Friedrichshafen, Forschungsinstitut für Kraftfahrwesen und Fahrzeugmotoren Stuttgart (FKFS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), RAB and ZF will be on site with information stands and will demonstrate what autonomous bus transportation means. For the first time, a prototype of the project shuttle will be on display from the inside and outside. Fabian Müller, First Mayor of the city of Friedrichshafen, will open the event at 1 pm. A quick and convenient way to get there is by bus. The venue is only a few meters away from the city train station. If you arrive by car, you can park in the parking garage at the city train station, which is located directly next to Franziskusplatz.

The autonomous shuttles in Friedrichshafen will be running in test mode this summer. This will be the first time that an automated bus "floats along" in traffic. In accordance with the requirements of the Autonomous Vehicle Approval and Operation Ordinance (AFGBV), a shuttle was developed specifically for the RABus project to meet the technical requirements of mixed traffic. To this end, the technology group ZF has entered into a project-related partnership with the shuttle manufacturer eVersum from Austria, which is supplying four electric shuttles for the project that have been equipped with the latest AD technology from ZF. The shuttle offers space for up to ten passengers, including a space for people with limited mobility. It has a range of around 100 kilometers.

Stadtverkehr Friedrichshafen will be presenting the new "ePaper" during the event. These easy-to-use screens transmit digital passenger information in real time - including at "RABus" bus stops. A virtual control center will also be on display at the RAB and ZF stand.

At the FKFS and KIT stand, visitors can find out about the status of the project, and there will be small educational robots and a shuttle quiz for children. The Karlsruhe Institute of Transport (KIT) is scientifically investigating how a future service with autonomous shuttles can be made attractive. This topic can be discussed and ideas put forward at the stand. Based on studies that have already been carried out, the transport researchers show that the use of shuttles on the so-called first and last mile to train stops is particularly promising.

RABus shuttle celebrates its premiere: In the project, public transport operations with electrified shuttles including comprehensive sensor and software technology will be tested in Friedrichshafen and Mannheim until the end of 2024. Image: RABus | ZF Friedrichshafen AG