Seven months was the Digibus, an autonomously driving minibus, in Koppl in the test. Always with a driver for protection. “Now we know what is currently technically possible. But also, what is still to be solved in the future to be on the road without a driver”, said Transport Councilor Stefan Schnöll at a local inspection on the test track.

In the next three years, the state-owned research company Salzburg Research is investigating methods, technologies and models for the reliable and safe operation of automated vehicles in local passenger transport in the new Austrian flagship project “Digibus® Austria”. Research into how they can become tributaries in a regional mobility system. In addition, work is underway to further improve the autonomy and driving safety of such vehicles.

Simulations in Real Environment

But there is still a lot of research and development work needed: “At present, self-driving minibuses on public roads in mixed traffic meet only automation level 2. This means that human intervention is necessary in some driving situations such as turning left at unregulated intersections. In the lead project, we want to use simulations and tests in a real environment to ensure that such situations can be mastered in a way that conforms to regulations and traffic safety, if possible without human intervention”, says Karl Rehrl, project manager of “Digibus® Austria”.

Still a Long Way to Full Automation

In the long run, automation level 5, full automation, is the goal. Since the vehicle must operate in the traffic completely without human intervention. In addition to roadworthiness, human factors in the communication between bus and passengers or other road users as well as the digital and structural equipment are scrutinized. “We’ve just learned to walk straightaway in automated mobility and are now trying on the children’s shoes so that big leaps will be possible in the future”, provincial council member Schnöll realistically adapts the current implementation status. “It’s clear that automated mobility will play a role in the future, the how and when are still to find out.”

More about the project: www.digibus.at
Final Report „Digibus 2017: Erfahrungen mit dem ersten selbstfahrenden Shuttlebus auf öffentlichen Straßen in Österreich“: Endbericht Digibus 2017 [PDF in German]

Source: Salzburger Landeskorrespondenz, 04.07.2018
Photos: Wildbild