Schaeffler and VDL launch self driving tech for public transport

Herzogenaurach, Germany-Schaeffler Technologies AG, an automotive supplier of systems and components and VDL Groep is an industrial and manufacturing company, are jointly development and production of a new generation self driving for Public transport. The two Companies will be showcasing a first demo with relevant automotive electrification, steering technology at IAA Mobility show in Munich

Their advancements technologies and expertise in systems engineering, improvement, creation, and public transport. For this moderate and innovative concept Schaeffler and VDL Groep will cooperate Mobileye Global Inc., who will give the shuttle vehicles autonomous driving systems. The two accomplices are at present in cutting edge discussions with public transport authorities and administrators to begin pilot projects. As per the guide, testing for the vehicles on the roads will in all probability be conceivable beginning in 2025.

Partners for new mobility ecosystems

Autonomous driving solutions, taking into consideration expanding traffic volumes in any event, taking into account a deficiency of drivers. Particularly in off-peak hours, larger vehicles would logically be replaced by smaller, self-driving vehicles based on on-demand services that are a perfect solution for making public transport locally emission-free and low-noise. The self-driving shuttles can be ordered by consumers via an app, and are set to change public transport over the next several years.

Demand for self-driving shuttle services is expected to take off in the coming years, especially in many major cities in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia by the end of this century. The strategic cooperation to developments at an early stage. Together, both companies aim to accelerate the development of shuttle vehicles that can be manufactured on a commercial scale

Mr. Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG, said, Self-driving shuttle vehicles will become integral elements of modern mobility ecosystems. 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. This goal is best realized with strong partners. We are more than happy to team up with VDL Groep and Mobileye.

Mr. Willem van der Leegte, President and CEO of VDL Groep said, Autonomous shuttles are going to play an important role in our future mobility needs. This vehicle concept fits seamlessly into our broad mobility solution covering design, electrification, connectivity, autonomy, and services. Of course, this planned cooperation is also a fantastic opportunity to pioneer and innovate with our esteemed partners Schaeffler and Mobileye.

self-driving without driver
The company has introduced a so-called rolling chassis, which consolidates a completely electric powertrain, steer-by-wire system, and battery in a modular solution. The Mobileye Drive designed for shuttle vehicles empowers independent driving purpose-built EyeQ processors, repetitive sensor system of surround cameras, and lidar or radar sensing, as well as planning arrangements.

Mr. Johann Jungwirth, Senior Vice President Autonomous Vehicles at Mobileye said, The full potential of autonomous mobility to transform our communities for the better can only be reached if the technologies are safe, accessible, and scalable. Working with Schaeffler and VDL Groep, we have the right strategy and teams to make mobility-as-a-service a reality in the very near future.

Germany is planned to be the first country where the newly developed and manufactured shuttles will operate, benefitting from the fact of being the first country in Europe which approved SAE level 4 for use on public roads.

Schaeffler and VDL Groep autonomous shuttle specifications:

• 9 seats: 6 fixed and 3 flexible
• Payload: around 1,000 kg
• Dimensions: 5 metres long, 2.2 metres wide, 2.8 metres high, weighing about 5,000 kg
• Indoor monitoring system in direct contact to a control room
• Two deeply integrated independent sensing systems: one camera-based and one radar or lidar-based
• Large doors and low entry step, wheelchair accessible
• Maximum speed: 70 km/hour
• Range: over 350 km per day, and over 100 km on one battery charge

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