In November, two electric minibus will start operating route to the town of Ede to Wageningen University in the Netherlands, with a distance of about 6 kilometers.
Known WEpods, minibus this looks like a glass box from a distance. We can not distinguish where the front and rear because its shape can not be distinguished. However, it does not matter because this bus does not require the steering wheel or other control systems.
This vehicle can be called to one point stop using smartphone applications. Once arrived, the door will be open bus to transport up to 12 people, and drove at a speed of 24 km / h.
WEpods will be operated on the streets along with other vehicles operated by humans.
Actually, there WEpods vehicles similar to those used in special lines at the airport. However, this is the first time a bus without a driver operates in a highway that could be hit by bottlenecks and other risks.
During the program's first phase, WEpods cannot be used when the weather is bad, peak hours, or at night.
And although the minibus is equipped with cameras, radar, laser sensors, and fully automated, there is still a human intelligence behind it.
When there is something unusual going on along the route (or if a passenger presses a button communication), a technician in the control center will assess the situation with a camera and ordered WEpods to avoid obstacles or backward.
Of course, the biggest hurdle WEpods are regulatory issues. Until now there is no rule that allows the robot to operate on highways. But, if WEpod qualify for this trial, we will see WEpod drove along with dozens of other cars passing in the Dutch countryside.
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