Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, and Volvo Buses have launched the world’s first full size, autonomous electric bus. The single-deck Volvo Electric bus is 12 metres long and has a full capacity close to 80 passengers.
This is a key milestone in NTU and Volvo’s development programme under the university’s partnership with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to develop and conduct autonomous vehicle bus trials for fixed route and scheduled services which was announced in October 2016.
The Volvo 7900 Electric bus is equipped with numerous sensors and navigation controls managed by a comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) system. Ensuring maximum safety and reliability, the AI system is also protected with industry-leading cybersecurity measures to prevent unwanted cyber intrusions.
The Volvo bus is the first of the two that has undergone preliminary rounds of rigorous testing at the Centre of Excellence for Testing and Research of Autonomous Vehicles at NTU (CETRAN). Plans are in place to test the bus at NTU and to subsequently extend the route beyond the NTU campus.
NTU President Professor Subra Suresh said: “This fully autonomous electric bus will play a role in shaping the future of public transportation that is safe, efficient, reliable and comfortable for all commuters. It will soon be tested on the NTU Smart Campus, which has been home to a number of innovations as a living testbed for technologies that impact the human condition and the quality of life.”
He added: “This research project not only involves cutting-edge science, technology and AI, but is also an excellent example of close partnership among academia, industry and government agencies in translating basic research into products and services for the benefit of Singapore and beyond. And we have a top team of local and international partners in this multi-disciplinary collaboration.”
The electric bus has 36 seats and provides a quiet operation with zero emissions. It also requires 80 per cent less energy than an equivalent sized diesel bus.
This is Volvo’s first fully autonomous and electric bus in public transportation anywhere in the world. For this trial of a full-size single deck bus, Volvo has chosen NTU Singapore as its global partner.
Håkan Agnevall, President, Volvo Buses, said: “We are very proud to be showcasing our electric bus featuring autonomous driving technology. It represents a key milestone for the industry and is an important step towards our vision for a cleaner, safer and smarter city. The journey towards full autonomy is undoubtedly a complex one, and our valued partnership with NTU and LTA is critical in realizing this vision, as is our commitment to applying a safety-first approach.”