robotTUNER was commissioned by the Province of Groningen to develop Autopilot, which allows buses and trucks to drive without a driver. Autopilot includes an electronic braking and steering system, sensors, and a self-developed control system. Autopilot is applicable to fuel and electric-powered buses. After Autopilot is installed, the vehicles can drive both manually and autonomously.
Autopilot recognizes traffic situations and responds to them as a bus or truck driver would. Autopilot’s performance is comparable to that of a professional driver. If Autopilot’s performance on a predetermined route is comparable to that of an average professional driver, Autopilot can be deployed on a bus lane, for example.
For now, drivers are still in the vehicles. If the tests prove that Autopilot drives safely, then buses with Autopilot can drive without a driver. Autopilot can make a substantial contribution to solving personnel shortages in the sector and, for example, be deployed on unprofitable lines that meet a social need. In addition, new opportunities for door-to-door (last-mile) transportation with small, unmanned vehicles are emerging.