Self-Driving Urban E-Shuttle
With the SUE project, the
prototype of a highly automated people shuttle is being implemented, which is operated autonomously by AI processes using three merged localization technologies. An innovative autonomous shuttle is thus being developed through this project, which can be used without human supervision based on the newly passed German law on autonomous driving. According to the latest laws, such vehicles may even be put into regular operation from 2022. In addition, innovations in the field of functional safety (FuSi) for autonomous vehicles in SUE are to be expected. These are, for example, new test approaches for highly automated vehicles with AI software modules or the development and publication of a guideline for the challenges with the corresponding problem solutions when introducing an autonomous shuttle in urban public transport.The Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt concentrates on the subprojects TP1 (basics and overall concept), TP8 (real test in the district of Kelheim), and leads TP5 (user-centered development to increase user acceptance and user experience). The THI develops and evaluates concepts for interaction and operation with a user-centered development process. In addition to communication between the vehicle SUE and the exterior via external human-machine interfaces, the process also includes concepts for design and service in the interior – each in several iteration stages. THI examines selected use cases and focal points with low and high-complex prototypes. The highly complex prototype is finally examined as part of real tests in Kelheim (TP8).
TP5 aims
to develop SUE as a completely new system with and for the (non) user, in which they are involved in the development process right from the start. For example, in the context of the requirements analysis, wishes, but also fears and concerns are raised and solutions are identified. These are analyzed iteratively with the target groups, the solution space is gradually restricted and adapted to the actual needs of the users. This approach has long been proposed in the context of so-called user-centered design but has so far played a subordinate role in the rather sluggish, classic step-by-step development process of the automotive industry. This is also shown by current, “modern” public transport concepts, which, for example, offer booking systems for the younger group of people with a high smartphone affinity, the older generation without a smartphone, or “app competence”, which is the primary user group of public transport offers, left out (simplicity before goal orientation). The different target groups such as older people, families with children, people with disabilities, etc. are currently hardly addressed directly and (public transport) mobility solutions are hardly adaptable to the actual needs of users today. This includes boarding assistance, virtual stops, on-call buses, etc. With SUE and TP5, there is an opportunity to break out of the typical process pattern for the first time and to develop a technology that the future target group would like to use…Employees: Martina Schuß, Alice Rollwagen
Project Duration
January 1st, 2022 – September 31th, 2024
Project Partners
- Uedelhoven GmbH & Co. KG (UE | Studios)
- Kopernikus Automotive GmbH (KOPERNIKUS)
- RBO Regionalbus Ostbayern GmbH (DB)
- Elringklinger AG (EK)
- Faissner Petermeier Fahrzeugtechnik AG (FP)
- TÜV Nord Mobilität GmbH & CO. KG (TNM)
- Fraunhofer EMFT (EMFT)
- Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI)
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Niedersächsisches Forschungszentrum Fahrzeugtechnik (NFF)
- Landkreis Kelheim (KELHEIM)
- IFG Ingolstadt Kommunalunternehmen Anstalt des öffentlichen Rechtes der Stadt Ingolstadt (IFG)
Associated Partners
- Schaeffler Paravan Technologie GmbH & Co. KG (SP)
- Audi AG
- Continental Engineering Services GmbH (CES)
- Ingolstädter Verkehrsgesellschaft mbh (INVG)
- Stadt Ingolstadt (Ingolstadt)
- Artificial Intelligence Network Ingolstadt GmbH (AININ)
Granted Fund
19,166,499.00 Euro
ContractorContractorContractor
Uedelhoven GmbH & Co. KG (UE | Studios)