Australia just launched its first driverless bus
An autonomous electric bus, known as the RAC Intellibus, has begun testing on the streets of Perth. Driving along South Perth, it will carry passengers while dodging everything in its path, from parked cars to cyclists!
To begin the three-month public trial, the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (RAC) received special permission from the state government. Patrick Walker, RAC general manager, said he expected that if the trial went well, the route would be expanded with the appropriate permits.
The current route is about 2.5 kilometres and will take 20 minutes. Walker said the third phase of the trial would potentially travel from Sir James Mitchell Park and the old Perth Zoo, about a 20-minute journey.
This particular route was chosen because the RAC team wanted it to be uncomplicated and away from high-speed roads. The bus has a maximum speed of 45 km (28 mph) per hour, but will typically travel at 20 (12 mph).
Potential passengers can sign up to test drive the bus, which will operate Monday through Thursday, as well as Saturdays.
In Walker's view, the bus is a level five automation – the highest level of automation according to the SAE classification system – since it has no steering wheel, operator and pedals.
The LIDAR system uses ultraviolet light to sense and avoid obstacles, supported by stereoscopic cameras that can read traffic signs. Like many other vehicles already on the road, it also has GPS and autonomous emergency braking.
The bus has 11 seats. There is room for four standing passengers, but no one should be standing during the test for safety reasons. Also, as a precautionary measure, seat belts have been installed. There will be an attendant, who can press the emergency stop button if necessary, but his main role will be to answer questions.
As part of an effort to reduce the number of cars on the road, Walker sees this system as a very good alternative and hopes the trial will win over Australians. “Over the next three months, we are keen to give the public the opportunity to not only see this new technology, but also to try it out,” he said.
