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Case Study

Driverless Shuttle Brings Seamless Transportation to Vison Resort in Japan

Introduction video

Play video
Satellite view of the designated autonomous shuttle route in Vison Resort, Taki-cho, Mie, Japan, showing a blue path winding through the resort area with buildings and parking lots.

Route map

Driverless shuttle by Auve Tech operating at Vision Resort in Japan, near a modern bridge and green landscape.

Project Overview

At the Vison Hotel in Mie Prefecture, Japan, Auve Tech’s driverless shuttle MiCa has been deployed to showcase the feasibility and efficiency of autonomous vehicles in a hotel complex.

The semi-closed environment provided a controlled yet challenging grounds for the shuttle’s capabilities.

The Vison Hotel offers a unique accommodation experience, connecting guests with nature, both mentally and physically.

This project aimed to align with the hotel’s innovative and sustainable vision.

Driverless shuttle by Auve Tech at Vision Resort in Japan, driving on a curved road surrounded by green hills and modern architecture.

Operating Environment

Route Features:

  • Route Distance: 1.2 km (0.7 mi)
  • Speed Limit: 20 km/h (12 mph)
  • Shuttle Maximum Speed: 12 km/h (7 mph)
  • Intersections: 5 main road intersections
  • Traffic Controls: No traffic lights, give-way points, or roundabouts
  • Unique Aspects: Driving on pedestrian roads

Goals and Solutions

Goals:

  1. Showcase Feasibility: Prove that driverless shuttles can operate efficiently in a hotel setting.
  2. Engage Stakeholders: Demonstrate the technology to decision-makers, emphasizing its potential.
  3. Ensure Safety: Address challenges like pedestrian navigation and inclines for smooth operation.

Solutions:

  1. Enhanced Safety Measures: Additional security guards and temporary road blockages were implemented to improve feasibility.
  2. Controlled Environment: Operating in a semi-closed area minimized external risks, providing a safer demo experience.
  3. Vehicle Adjustments: Continuous calibration and testing were conducted to adapt to specific challenges, such as curbs and inclines.

Outcomes

Quantitative Outcomes

  • Passenger Transportation: Hundreds of visitors, stakeholders, and officials experienced the shuttle firsthand during the demo period.
  • Time Efficiency: Each round trip was completed within 12-15 minutes, ensuring a smooth and timely operation.
  • Route Accessibility: Successfully navigated a 1.2 km route with 5 intersections, adapting to pedestrian and parking lot challenges.

Qualitative Outcomes

  • Stakeholder Engagement: Stakeholders observed the shuttle’s potential and shared positive but polite feedback.
  • Cultural Considerations: End-customers, accustomed to Japan’s polite culture, joked about challenges during the demo, reflecting a light-hearted reception.
  • Scalability Demonstrated: Despite route challenges, the shuttle effectively showcased its feasibility in similar settings.

Lessons Learned

  1. Adaptability is Key: Challenges like side rail detection and inclines underscore the need for continuous technology refinement.
  2. Cultural Awareness Matters: Understanding customer expectations and cultural norms is essential for engagement.
  3. Controlled Demonstrations Build Trust: A semi-closed environment allowed for a safer and more effective demo for driverless shuttle.

Conclusion

The Vison Hotel project demonstrated the feasibility of driverless shuttles in semi-closed environments, addressing logistical and operational challenges while providing stakeholders with a glimpse of the potential for autonomous transport solutions. This demo sets the stage for further improvements and potential long-term implementations in similar environments.

Contact Us

Curious about how driverless shuttles can transform mobility in your business? Contact us today! hello@auve.tech