Periodic Reporting for period 3 - AVENUE (Autonomous Vehicles to Evolve to a New Urban Experience)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2021-05-01 al 2022-10-31
The AVENUE project, funded under the EU Horizon 2020 programme and successfully completed in October 2022, has marked a transformative milestone in the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles (AVs) for public transportation. Over its four and a half-year duration, the project introduced a paradigm shift in public transport, moving from rigid schedules to flexible, on-demand, door-to-door services, ensuring safety, efficiency, and inclusiveness for all, including those with reduced mobility. The deployment of AVs aimed to reduce private vehicle use, easing congestion and pollution, and lowering operational costs, especially in low-demand areas, demonstrating the potential of fully automated, on-demand shuttle services to revolutionize urban mobility, improve accessibility, and contribute to sustainable transport solutions.
The project’s core focus was the design, development, and validation of autonomous minibuse-based transportation services integrated into public transport networks in four European cities: Geneva, Lyon, Luxembourg, and Copenhagen. AVENUE successfully demonstrated key innovations, including dynamic routing, on-demand door-to-door services, and seamless integration with urban mobility platforms.
AVENUE made several pioneering achievements, including:
Demonstrating on-demand, dynamic routing services that reduced waiting times and offered greater flexibility compared to fixed schedules.
Demonstrating the operational reliability and safety of autonomous shuttles in mixed-traffic urban environments.
Implementing cutting-edge fleet management technologies, optimizing passenger services while reducing energy consumption.
Creating inclusive, accessible mobility solutions that cater to diverse passenger needs, including those with reduced mobility.
Enhancing passenger experience through digital platforms enabling real-time booking and tracking.
Showcasing the environmental benefits of AV fleets by optimizing energy use and minimizing emissions.
Advancing regulatory frameworks and stakeholder engagement to facilitate widespread AV adoption.
Through rigorous testing, stakeholder collaboration, and public engagement, AVENUE provided a clear roadmap for implementing AVs in public transit, proving their feasibility and potential for scaling. Its outcomes significantly advanced the state of autonomous mobility research and contributed to the EU’s vision for sustainable and inclusive urban transport.
AVENUE’s success provided evidence that autonomous vehicles can be integrated into public transport, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and increased social inclusion. Its interdisciplinary approach considered not only technological and environmental factors but also societal impacts, building public trust in AVs and offering a blueprint for future urban mobility.
The project’s core focus was the design, development, and validation of autonomous minibuse-based transportation services integrated into public transport networks in four European cities: Geneva, Lyon, Luxembourg, and Copenhagen. AVENUE successfully demonstrated key innovations, including dynamic routing, on-demand door-to-door services, and seamless integration with urban mobility platforms.
AVENUE made several pioneering achievements, including:
Demonstrating on-demand, dynamic routing services that reduced waiting times and offered greater flexibility compared to fixed schedules.
Demonstrating the operational reliability and safety of autonomous shuttles in mixed-traffic urban environments.
Implementing cutting-edge fleet management technologies, optimizing passenger services while reducing energy consumption.
Creating inclusive, accessible mobility solutions that cater to diverse passenger needs, including those with reduced mobility.
Enhancing passenger experience through digital platforms enabling real-time booking and tracking.
Showcasing the environmental benefits of AV fleets by optimizing energy use and minimizing emissions.
Advancing regulatory frameworks and stakeholder engagement to facilitate widespread AV adoption.
Through rigorous testing, stakeholder collaboration, and public engagement, AVENUE provided a clear roadmap for implementing AVs in public transit, proving their feasibility and potential for scaling. Its outcomes significantly advanced the state of autonomous mobility research and contributed to the EU’s vision for sustainable and inclusive urban transport.
AVENUE’s success provided evidence that autonomous vehicles can be integrated into public transport, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and increased social inclusion. Its interdisciplinary approach considered not only technological and environmental factors but also societal impacts, building public trust in AVs and offering a blueprint for future urban mobility.
The AVENUE project validated AV integration into urban public transport through technical and scientific activities, including real-world demonstrations and advancements in autonomous technology.
1. Deployment and Testing of Automated Minibuses
AVENUE deployed Level 4 automated minibuses in Geneva, Lyon, Copenhagen, and Luxembourg.
Minibuses operated efficiently in low- and medium-demand areas, providing on-demand services.
Vehicles covered thousands of kilometers in mixed traffic, pedestrian zones, and adverse weather.
2. Advancement in Autonomous Vehicle Technology
Enhanced Advanced Driving Systems (ADS) improved braking and maneuvering.
Vehicles met public transport regulations, optimizing passenger space.
3. Safety and Security Framework
Real-time remote monitoring ensured continuous oversight.
Cybersecurity protocols, including SIEM systems, protected vehicles from threats.
4. In-Vehicle Services and User Experience
Mobile apps provided real-time updates and booking capabilities.
AI monitoring managed real-time incidents and enhanced the passenger experience.
5. Impact on Urban Mobility Systems
AVs reduced reliance on personal vehicles, easing congestion and emissions.
Services improved mobility for underserved populations.
6. Legal and Regulatory Contributions
AVENUE developed guidelines for cities, addressing safety and privacy in AV integration.
1. Deployment and Testing of Automated Minibuses
AVENUE deployed Level 4 automated minibuses in Geneva, Lyon, Copenhagen, and Luxembourg.
Minibuses operated efficiently in low- and medium-demand areas, providing on-demand services.
Vehicles covered thousands of kilometers in mixed traffic, pedestrian zones, and adverse weather.
2. Advancement in Autonomous Vehicle Technology
Enhanced Advanced Driving Systems (ADS) improved braking and maneuvering.
Vehicles met public transport regulations, optimizing passenger space.
3. Safety and Security Framework
Real-time remote monitoring ensured continuous oversight.
Cybersecurity protocols, including SIEM systems, protected vehicles from threats.
4. In-Vehicle Services and User Experience
Mobile apps provided real-time updates and booking capabilities.
AI monitoring managed real-time incidents and enhanced the passenger experience.
5. Impact on Urban Mobility Systems
AVs reduced reliance on personal vehicles, easing congestion and emissions.
Services improved mobility for underserved populations.
6. Legal and Regulatory Contributions
AVENUE developed guidelines for cities, addressing safety and privacy in AV integration.
By the project's conclusion, fully automated minibuses provided on-demand, door-to-door services. A comprehensive cost evaluation tool assessed transport services, covering CAPEX and OPEX in diverse urban settings.
1. Large-Scale Deployment of Automated Minibuses
AVENUE was the first to implement large-scale, real-world deployment of Level 4 minibuses in urban environments, reducing operational costs via remote supervision.
2. On-Demand Public Transport
Minibuses shifted from fixed routes to dynamic, on-demand services, improving urban mobility and access for underserved populations.
3. Advancements in Sensor Fusion and AI
Advanced algorithms combined sensor data (LiDAR, radar, cameras), enabling safe navigation through complex traffic and urban environments.
4. Remote Supervision System
A robust remote monitoring system allowed one operator to oversee multiple vehicles, intervening only in exceptional cases.
5. Integration with Public Transport Networks
Minibuses were integrated into existing networks, providing flexible first- and last-mile connectivity.
6. Safety and Security Protocols
AVENUE introduced real-time monitoring and cybersecurity measures, setting new safety standards.
7. User Acceptance and Social Impact
User acceptance was higher when services provided clear benefits, such as increased flexibility and convenience, especially for vulnerable groups.
8. Sustainability Assessment
A life cycle analysis (LCA) confirmed that AVs could reduce carbon emissions, especially when powered by renewable energy, providing a roadmap for eco-friendly autonomous transport solutions.
1. Large-Scale Deployment of Automated Minibuses
AVENUE was the first to implement large-scale, real-world deployment of Level 4 minibuses in urban environments, reducing operational costs via remote supervision.
2. On-Demand Public Transport
Minibuses shifted from fixed routes to dynamic, on-demand services, improving urban mobility and access for underserved populations.
3. Advancements in Sensor Fusion and AI
Advanced algorithms combined sensor data (LiDAR, radar, cameras), enabling safe navigation through complex traffic and urban environments.
4. Remote Supervision System
A robust remote monitoring system allowed one operator to oversee multiple vehicles, intervening only in exceptional cases.
5. Integration with Public Transport Networks
Minibuses were integrated into existing networks, providing flexible first- and last-mile connectivity.
6. Safety and Security Protocols
AVENUE introduced real-time monitoring and cybersecurity measures, setting new safety standards.
7. User Acceptance and Social Impact
User acceptance was higher when services provided clear benefits, such as increased flexibility and convenience, especially for vulnerable groups.
8. Sustainability Assessment
A life cycle analysis (LCA) confirmed that AVs could reduce carbon emissions, especially when powered by renewable energy, providing a roadmap for eco-friendly autonomous transport solutions.