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Case Study

WRC Rally Estonia 2021: Showcasing Autonomous Shuttles on the Rally Special Stage and Main Podium

Auve Tech was honoured to have high-ranking passengers

At WRC Rally Estonia, Auve Tech demonstrated its autonomous shuttle Iseauto across two distinct environments: the rally special stage and the main podium. High-ranking guests, including the President of Estonia, experienced the technology firsthand at the main podium. Meanwhile, the shuttle navigated the complex, uneven terrain of the special stage, proving the technology’s reliability in challenging conditions. This event successfully highlighted the potential of autonomous shuttles for future large-scale events and public transport solutions. 

Operational environment

WRC Rally Estonia is a high-profile international motorsport event. Auve Tech partnered with WRC Estonia to showcase its autonomous shuttle technology at both the rally special stage and the main podium. The goal was to demonstrate the shuttle’s ability to perform in both a complex rally environment and a high visibility setting with VIP guests. 
Auve Tech autonomous shuttle on display at WRC Rally Estonia, surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd.

The complexity of the environment

The challenge for Auve Tech at WRC Rally Estonia was to operate the shuttles in two very different environments. The rally special stage featured uneven terrain, tight turns, and complex surfaces, designed to test rally drivers but also presenting difficulties for teleoperation. Meanwhile, the main podium required smooth operations and the safe transportation of high-profile guests in a highly visible setting.

The goals of this project were to: 

  • Demonstrate the shuttle’s ability to navigate the complex terrain of the rally special stage. 
  • Showcase the teleoperation capabilities of Iseauto in front of VIP guests at the main podium. 
  • Raise public awareness about the potential of autonomous shuttles for event logistics and public transport. 

 

Auve Tech deployed its Iseauto autonomous shuttles in two key areas during WRC Rally Estonia. On the rally special stage, the shuttle successfully navigated the 1.64 km route designed for rally drivers, handling uneven terrain and tight turns without issue. At the main podium, the shuttle transported VIP guests, including the President of Estonia and the Mayor of Tartu, ensuring smooth and safe rides in front of a live audience. 

 

The implementation involved three key teleoperations during the event: 

  • Opening Show (Main Podium): The first teleoperation occurred during the opening show at the main podium, where VIP guests, including the President of Estonia, were transported in the Iseauto shuttle. 
  • Rally Special Stage (SS1): The second teleoperation took place on the 1.64 km rally special stage, where the shuttle navigated the uneven terrain and tight turns successfully. 
  • Award Ceremony: On the final day, the shuttle transported award presenters to the podium, marking the last memory of WRC Rally Estonia 2021. 

 

 

The Iseauto shuttle successfully navigated both the rally special stage and the main podium. On the 1.64 km rally stage, it handled uneven terrain and tight turns without issues, proving its ability to operate in challenging environments. At the main podium, VIPs, including the President of Estonia, experienced the shuttle firsthand and provided positive feedback, appreciating its smooth operation. This demonstrated the shuttle’s versatility in both technical and high-visibility settings. 

 

The event highlighted the importance of optimizing teleoperations for different types of environments. The rally special stage required precise navigation on uneven surfaces, while the main podium emphasized the need for smooth and reliable transportation for VIP guests. Future deployments could benefit from further real-time adjustments to accommodate unexpected changes in terrain. 

 

WRC Rally Estonia successfully showcased Auve Tech’s ability to provide autonomous solutions in two distinct settings: a complex rally special stage and a high-visibility podium environment. To learn more about how our autonomous shuttles can enhance your event logistics or transportation systems, contact us today. 

There were two more buses presented next to ERM for four days straight: a well-known Iseauto fully powered with batteries and the world’s first autonomous shuttle powered by hydrogen.

For more information, reach out to us at hello@auve.tech

Learn more about our latest 2nd generation autonomous shuttle, MiCa, and how it’s redefining public transportation.

Products used in this case study

Electric vehicle

Iseauto

Driverless shuttles improving the reach of public transport internationally.

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