Skip to main content

New Flyer and Robotic Research partner on driverless buses

Bus manufacturer New Flyer of America has partnered with Robotic Research to develop driverless bus technology. The partners will deploy advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in heavy-duty transit bus applications. New Flyer says the partnership supports the Federal Transit Administration’s plan to assess potential risks, barriers and mitigation strategies associated with the implementation of automation technologies in transit buses. Both companies will seek to develop an Xcelsior Charge battery-e
May 21, 2019 Read time: 1 min

Bus manufacturer New Flyer of America has partnered with Robotic Research to develop driverless bus technology.

The partners will deploy advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in heavy-duty transit bus applications.

New Flyer says the partnership supports the 2023 Federal Transit Administration’s plan to assess potential risks, barriers and mitigation strategies associated with the implementation of automation technologies in transit buses.

Both companies will seek to develop an Xcelsior Charge battery-electric bus equipped with SAE Level 4 ADAS technology which, according to New Flyer, allows a vehicle to perform all driving tasks autonomously while monitoring the driving environment.

The technology will be tested at unspecified Robotic Research facilities in late 2019, with closed course operation anticipated for 2020. A trained safety attendant will remain on board to evaluate the demonstration.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • IntelliDrive, connectivity, safety, mobility and the environment?
    January 30, 2012
    Shelley Row, Director of the ITS Joint Program Office, US Department of Transportation, details the new five-year ITS Strategic Research Plan. Imagine a world where vehicles of all types can talk to each other in order to reduce or eliminate crashes, where vehicles can talk to traffic signals to eliminate unnecessary stops, where travellers can get accurate travel time information about all modes and route options, and where transportation managers have data which allows them to accurately assess multimodal
  • Wrightbus showcases fuel cell electric bus in the UK
    November 7, 2018
    Wrightbus says its double deck bus uses fuel cell technology to deliver zero emissions while in operation. The StreetDeck fuel cell electric vehicle was displayed at the UK’s Euro Bus Expo 2018 in Birmingham. Fuel cell technology mixes hydrogen and compressed air (oxygen) in a chemical process to generate electric power to drive. The company says the vehicle comes with an extended storage option which increases its range from 200 to 265 miles. Also, the bus can be refuelled in seven minutes. Stre
  • Uruguay launches first ''zero emissions'' electric buses
    May 23, 2013
    Uruguay transit companies BUQUEBUS and CTS Auto have partnered with Chinese vehicle manufacturer, BYD to provide the first twelve metre rapid transit bus powered only by electricity in Uruguay and the region. The BYD electric bus integrates several technologies including two in-wheel electric motors capable of a cruising speed over 88 km/h and what it said to be the first of its kind, an environmentally-friendly iron-phosphate battery. This drive system provides a range of over 250 km (155 miles) – nearly t
  • VTTI sees future of truck ADS
    December 7, 2021
    Although automated driving systems (ADS) for trucks promise increased safety, productivity, and efficiency, it is not clear how they should be integrated into fleet operations with conventional vehicles. Erin Mabry and Martin Walker, of VTTI, provide answers