Self-driving shuttle bus to chauffeur airport employees
Published: Thursday, Dec 19th 2024, 13:30
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Zurich Airport wants to test a self-driving shuttle bus for employees of companies working at the airport. In preparation, a so-called robotaxi will be driving around the airport site over the next few days to map the route.
The self-driving shuttle bus, which is due to start operating in the next few months, is called Robobus and will offer space for up to nine people, as announced by Flughafen Zürich AG on Thursday. The Robobus, which will be used at Zurich Airport, has already been successfully tested on the roads in Paris, it is reported.
The planned route is ideal for the first use of automated vehicles due to its clear separation from flight operations and offers optimal test conditions. The regular journeys also made it easier for employees to travel within the airport grounds.
Safety driver at the start
In the initial phase, a safety driver will be on board to monitor the system. Depending on the findings, remotely monitored journeys would be tested in a next step - always under the strict control of a remote operations center at the airport.
According to the press release, Flughafen Zürich AG is working closely with the Swiss Transit Lab (STL) on this pilot project. WeRide - an "industry leader in the field of automated driving" - was chosen as the technology provider following a call for tenders, according to the press release.
The pilot project makes it possible to gain important insights for the use of autonomous technologies and to develop a comprehensive set of rules for the safe and efficient operation of self-driving vehicles.
©Keystone/SDA
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