Archive, Industry News

Sydney driverless bus trial

The first trial of a driverless shuttle bus has been given the green light in Sydney

The NSW Government has joined forces with HMI Technologies, NRMA, Telstra, IAG and Sydney Olympic Park Authority, for the two-year trial of the state’s first automated smart shuttle at Olympic Park. 
 
“The trial, starting later this month, showcases a small part of our much bigger vision for a technology-enabled transport future,” Transport Minister Andrew Constance says. 
 
“Today we drive our cars but the reality is, cars will soon drive us and while we are not there yet, we need to be prepared for this change and we need to stay ahead of the game. 
 
“The ultimate goal of the trial is to find the best way to harness the next generation of driverless technology and how to make it work for NSW while also answering questions about how it can improve safety and reliability.”
 
The first stage of the trial will conduct tests and safety checks in a secure, off-road environment. This testing is underway at Newington Armory where the shuttle will run autonomously on a preprogramed route. 
 
“We will then extend the trial to public use with the shuttle making the rounds on the roads at Sydney Olympic Park,” Constance explains.

New South Wales Roads, Maritime and Freight Minister Melinda Pavey expects office workers at Sydney Olympic Park to be using the automated shuttle next year, becoming the first to test the new technology. 
 
“This trial is not only about automated vehicles, it is also about connectivity,” she says. 
 
“We want to use the trial to help develop the systems that will enable automated vehicles to be connected to our infrastructure, like traffic lights and to our customers through their devices and applications.  
 
“There is still some way to go before automated shuttles become common place on Australian roads, but we are ready to take the next step and from here all sorts of possibilities open up for transport in New South Wales.”

HMI Technologies Australia CEO Dean Zabrieszach says the trial will help pave the way for automated vehicles to operate legally on Australian roads.

“The concept of automated vehicles seamlessly transporting people and goods and addressing congestion has captured the imagination of the public.

“They are no longer just a concept, however while they are such a new technology, HMI Technologies is aiming to address outstanding questions.

“HMI Technologies has the expertise to fuse automated vehicles with intelligent transportation systems, artificial intelligence, location referencing and traffic control systems.

“Trials will encourage the revision of legislation, systems and infrastructure required to make these revolutionary vehicles and their entire eco-system an everyday reality.”

 

About the driverless bus:

  • Built by French company Navya
  • Capacity to carry up to 15 passengers
  • Top speed of 45 kilometres per hour
  • Self-guided by onboard computer, LIDAR and radar
  • Fully electric 

 

Send this to a friend