Houston-Metro-TSU-AV-(70)

Automated Shuttle

Automated Shuttle

An automated shuttle is a purpose-built vehicle designed to transport multiple passengers in a shared mobility service. Most shuttles are low-speed vehicles and accommodate 10-15 passengers.

SENSE

Automated cars perceive and interpret their surroundings. Sensors provide all the information used by the automated vehicle for perception of its entire surroundings. 

Lidar (Light imaging, Detection, and Ranging)

Lidar emits pulses of infrared light and measures the time it takes for these pulses to return after hitting nearby objects. Data is recorded and compiled to map the vehicle's surroundings in 3-D and real time. Lidar works with radar to detect obstacles and their distance and monitors vehicles surroundings.

Cameras

Cameras enable obstacle detection and avoidance to navigate safely through environments.

 

PLAN

Automated vehicles decide in real time which driving strategy is the best in order to resolve the current traffic situation and reach their destinations.

GPS

GPS and GNSS work together to identify the vehicle’s location. This allows agencies to monitor schedule and route adherence. GPS uses real time geographical data received from several  GPS satellites to calculate longitude, latitude, speed and course to support navigation. GNSS  enables vehicle localization and identification of the vehicle’s position on roads.

Ultrasonic Sensors

These sensors send ultrasonic pulses which are reflected by objects or barriers to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and determine distances to obstacles. Ultrasonic sensors support obstacle detection, avoidance, and forms the basis for parking and maneuvering systems.

Odometry Sensors

Odometry sensors complement and improve GPS information.

ACT

The central vehicle computer calculates the values used by the vehicle's powertrain, braking or steering systems to implement individual driving maneuvers.

V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything)

V2X uses information provided by surrounding vehicles and road‐side equipment to establish knowledge about the environment

  • Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I): V2I technologies capture vehicle-generated traffic data, wirelessly providing information such as advisories from the infrastructure to the vehicle to inform the vehicle of safety, mobility, or environment-related conditions.
  • Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V): V2V communication is the ability to wirelessly exchange information about the speed and position of surrounding vehicles. The goal of the communication is in helping to avoid accidents and incidents, along with easing traffic congestion.

Control System

The control system fuses data from multiple cameras, as well as lidar, radar, and ultrasonic sensors, to accurately assess the entire 360-degree environment around the vehicle to produce a dynamic representation, including both static and dynamic objects.

Why SAV

Safety

SAVs have extensive safety features to protect passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, other road users, and the vehicle itself. With multiple layers of sensors, redundant braking systems,  emergency buttons, and other fail-safes, the SAV detects and avoids obstacles to ensure continuous, safe operations.

Passenger Experience

Customer satisfaction relies heavily on a positive passenger experience. Vehicle features
include:

  • Effective heating and air conditioning to maintain a comfortable interior environment
  • Onboard Wi-Fi and USB chargers for passenger convenience
  • Wheelchair ramps for accesibility and ADA compliance
  • Automated audio/visual announcements
We also provide Onboard operators who are trained in customer service, passenger assistance, and safe operations techniques to ensure our passengers have a superior ride.

Accessibility

Most SAVs are equipped with access ramps and Braille signage to ensure accessibility for passengers.