Robotic Research And Local Motors Launch Operations Of Autonomous Shuttle At University at Buffalo

Robotic Research in collaboration with Local Motors are currently in the midst of developing small-sized autonomous vehicles. Equipped with electric motor engines, their shuttle buses are supposed to work in the area of State University of New York at Buffalo. The upcoming, small bus named OLII will be put to a variety of uses. Apart from its educational aspect, it will also allow for mapping the vicinity and test new modes of transportation on the campus. The project has also been joined by the Energy Research and Development Administration in New York, as well as The New York City Department of Transportation. Robotic Research is an engineering-tech company. Its mission is designing highly developed software for autonomous vehicles. The latter for use by private clients as well as federal agencies. As one of the company’s major endeavors could be named the autonomous technologies project for the United States Armed Forces. There the new solutions are employed in operations of convoying cargo trucks. The technology of autonomous driving is applied for assistance with some of the operations. Robotic Research CEO – Alberto Lacaze – expresses no small joy that RN will not get to cooperate with SUNY Buffalo. All the more seeing the project will employ their new autonomous vehicle – OLLI. The advanced vehicles to be given to the university will also contribute its share to fighting green house gas emission. The application of electric motor in OLLI allows it to function as a zero-emission vehicle. The New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo wants for the gas house emission to be reduced by up to 40 percent before 2030. The educational aspect, on the other hand, revolves around expanding the knowledge-base concerning automation technologies. Artificial Intelligence is also significant, as it will be in command of the vehicle. Thanks to this students will get to learn of leading technologies. An interesting aspect is that the vehicle has been manufactured using 3D printing technology. The intelligent autonomous vehicle from Local Motors consists of elements made through 3D printing. This contributes to reducing its manufacturing costs. The car will also be capable of selecting the appropriate route. Thanks to this feature the passengers are guaranteed not only a safe drive, but a short one too. OLLI is expected to be a configurable and efficient transport option, and not just for universities. In the future it will find use in companies, hospitals, stadiums, and even whole cities. The autonomous shuttle is another intriguing alternative to traditional buses. Unfortunately the latter require drivers and still at present the majority are equipped with engine units producing exhaust. OLLI, however, self-driving. This is why there is no need for a human driver, and it commanded by computer AI. Moreover, it has an electric motor, making it an environment-friendly vehicle. According to its designer, the new type of bus will be favored in every place where people could use a small-sized means of transportation. The vehicle’s considerable degree of configurability is expected to help easily adapt the bus to the needs of the customers in the form of companies and institutions. The cooperation between the University at Buffalo and the State of New York is supposed to demonstrate a way both institutions and governments can invest in the future of transportation. Local Motors expects to be signing further contracts with other parties with an interest in the new vehicle. OLLI is intended to assist the future partners in developing practical solutions in the field of transport. The development plans of OLLI look interesting. The bus will definitely spend a longer while working in the University area. The fleet of such vehicles will also surely be expanded in order to fully meet transportation-related needs of both students and educators of this academy. Source: Automatic Vehicles EU Mielczarek Michal November 14, 2018