Schaeffler and VDL debut self-driving shuttle at IAA Mobility
Schaeffler is teaming up with the Netherlands’ VDL Groep to deliver a new generation of self-driving electric shuttles for public transport.
Launching a demonstrator at IAA Mobility in Munich this week, the two European heavyweights are working alongside Israel’s Mobileye, which is providing the SAE Level 4 autonomous driving systems. Measuring 5m long, 2.2m wide and 2.8m high, the nine-seater shuttles will weigh in at around 5000kg and be capable of carrying a 1000kg payload. According to the partners, on-street testing is likely to get underway in Germany in 2025.
“Self-driving shuttle vehicles will become integral elements of modern mobility ecosystems,” said Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG. “They will bring people safely, quickly, and easily from A to B and increase accessibility to mobility for everyone living in cities and rural areas. We at Schaeffler want to support this development with best-in-class systems engineering, as well as innovative automotive technology in a sustainable manner.”
Schaeffler has developed a rolling chassis which combines a fully electric powertrain, steer-by-wire system, and battery in a modular solution. The Mobileye Drive platform designed for shuttle vehicles enables autonomous driving using purpose-built EyeQ processors, redundant sensor systems of surround cameras, and lidar or radar sensing, as well as mapping solutions.
Register now to continue reading
Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage, as well as premium content including opinion, in-depth features and special reports.
Benefits of registering
-
In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends
-
Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year
-
Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox
Radio wave weapon knocks out drone swarms
Probably. A radio-controlled drone cannot be completely shielded to RF, else you´d lose the ability to control it. The fibre optical cable removes...