Having announced its next-generation shuttle for autonomous driving in urban environments and mixed traffic at CES 2023, ZF has also revealed a newly formed, strategic partnership with Beep, a US mobility services provider.
Over the next few years, the agreement aims to deliver thousands of shuttles to customers, partnering ZF’s Autonomous Transport Systems (ATS) with Beep’s mobility services and service management platform to create a single-source autonomous mobility solution.
“In order to reduce traffic-related emissions in metropolitan areas, a reduction in motorized individual transport and a simultaneous expansion of more sustainable, efficient, comfortable and affordable mobility options are required,” said Torsten Gollewski, executive vice president, autonomous mobility systems, ZF.
The new, autonomous Level 4 shuttle is offered in two types – the first for use in segregated lanes and the new model, which will be used in urban environments and in mixed traffic.
Flexibility in all areas: From the choice of different battery capacities to the distribution of seating and standing room, to the materials and fabrics used, customers can customize their shuttles
ZF’s latest shuttle variant features advanced sensor technology which includes lidar, radar, camera and audio systems to deliver precise environmental detection. Additional ZF technology is also included, such as the ZF ProConnect connectivity platform to enable communication with infrastructure and the cloud.
The Virtual Driver (ZF’s autonomous driving software) replaces the human driver and is responsible for processing expansive volumes of information to ensure the vehicle delivers safe driving strategies using artificial intelligence. These are then passed on as inputs to onboard actuators. Built-in redundancies ensure that the full functionality and operability of the shuttle is extremely reliable. Additionally, all ZF components and systems are certified automotive grade, meeting the high safety and quality requirements of the automotive industry and applicable cybersecurity standards.
The shuttles have selectable battery capacities between 50kWh and 100kWh, and the next-generation shuttle is capable of a range up to 128km in pure electric mode, at a maximum speed of 40km/h. The shuttle is being developed further to enable a future top speed of 80km/h.
ZF shuttles are designed to conduct operations on defined routes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The autonomous solution will enable public transport operators to provide passengers with a mobility service even at times when demand is low or when there is a shortage of drivers; an issue which the sector is currently facing.
Having signed an agreement with USA-based mobility provider Beep, ZF will bring the shuttle to market in the United States.
Beep specializes in planning, deploying and managing advanced autonomous shuttles for both private and public communities. Over the past three years, Beep has been testing autonomous shuttles which to date have racked up more than 100,000 road hours.
“We are excited to partner with ZF to bring their next shuttle generation to market in the United States,” said Joe Moye, chief executive officer, Beep. “ZF’s full suite of shuttle services, its US partner network and its automotive-grade vehicle complement our turnkey mobility networks and autonomous services technology platform. This shuttle will allow us to continue to pursue our vision of extending mobility equity and reducing carbon emissions, expanding our use cases while meeting industrial requirements for vehicle service life, performance and safety.”
