Self-Driving Bus in Takamatsu: Enhancing Visitor Experience Through Innovation
Route map
Project Overview
In the historical area of Takamatsu, Japan, Auve Tech’s self-driving bus MiCa, operated by Boldly, provided a scheduled last-mile solution for visitors.
The project connected a car park to a main viewpoint, ensuring seamless transport in a challenging terrain.
Running on a public road route, the self-driving bus demonstrated the efficiency of autonomous technology in enhancing public transport for tourist destinations.
Operating Environment and Problem
Route Features:
- Route length: 2.6 km (1.6 mi)
- Road Speed Limit: 40 km/h (25 mph)
- Shuttle Maximum Speed: 20 km/h (12 mph)
- Route Details:
- 5 main road intersections
- 2 give-way intersections
- No traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, or speed bumps
- 1 lane change required
Problem Addressed:
Visitors faced difficulty accessing the main viewpoint from the parking lot due to the lack of reliable transport. The self-driving bus provided a convenient and efficient solution, catering to tourists in this scenic area.
Goals and Solutions
Goals:
- Improve Visitor Experience: Offer a seamless connection between the parking lot and viewpoint.
- Showcase Autonomous Technology: Demonstrate the reliability of a self-driving bus in rural, open-road settings.
- Provide a Sustainable Solution: Reduce the reliance on traditional vehicles for short-distance transport in tourist areas.
Solutions:
- Scheduled Operations: The self-driving bus operated at regular intervals, ensuring dependable service for visitors.
- Adaptation to Terrain: Despite inclines on the route, the MiCa performed well, showcasing its adaptability to challenging environments.
- Efficient Design: The straightforward route enabled smooth navigation, fulfilling the project’s objectives.
Execution Stages
- Planning and Route Assessment:
- The route was mapped between the parking lot and viewpoint, ensuring safety and simplicity.
- Inclines were identified as the key challenge.
- Collaboration:
- Auve Tech and Boldly worked together to deploy and operate the self-driving bus.
- Deployment:
- Scheduled services started on 19th February 2024, connecting visitors with the scenic viewpoint.
- Monitoring and Feedback:
- Performance was continuously assessed to ensure safety and efficiency.
Challenges and Outcomes
Challenges
- Sloped Terrain: Navigating inclines required precise calibration of the autonomous systems.
- Rural Open Roads: The lack of infrastructure, such as pedestrian crossings or traffic lights, demanded robust autonomous navigation.
- Cultural Adaptation: Introducing autonomous shuttles in a region with minimal exposure to self-driving technology required building trust and understanding among locals and visitors.
- Weather Variability:
Frequent rain and changing weather conditions posed challenges for sensor reliability and traction control, requiring advanced adaptations in autonomous driving systems. - Sharp Turns on Narrow Roads:
The winding and narrow roads in some parts of the route required precise manoeuvring to ensure safety and avoid obstacles.
Quantitative Outcomes
- Route Efficiency: The self-driving bus navigated the route with minimal disruptions.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Reliable service improved accessibility for hundreds of visitors during the project period.
Qualitative Outcomes
- Visitor Satisfaction: Positive feedback from users highlighted the convenience and novelty of the self-driving bus experience.
- Proven Reliability: The MiCa performed well on sloped terrain, validating its adaptability.
- Sustainability Impact: Reduced reliance on traditional vehicles supported environmental goals for tourist areas.
Lessons Learned
- Adaptation to Terrain: The MiCa successfully demonstrated its capability to navigate sloped routes with adjustments.
- Simple Routes Work: A straightforward route design ensured smooth and reliable autonomous operations.
- Tourism Benefits: Self-driving buses can significantly enhance visitor experience in areas with limited transport options.
Conclusion
The Takamatsu project showcased how a self-driving bus can effectively address last-mile connectivity in tourist areas. By improving access, enhancing sustainability, and adapting to local challenges, this project provided a practical model for integrating autonomous technology into public transport solutions for similar environments.
Contact Us
Interested in bringing a self-driving bus solution to your region? Contact us hello@auve.tech
