Tomorrow's horizons are within reach
Autonomous Driving in Germany: The Kira Project Takes Center Stage
The Kira project, a collaboration between the Rhein-Main Transport Association and Deutsche Bahn, is set to revolutionize public transportation in the Frankfurt/Rhein-Main metropolitan area. This innovative AI-based regular operation of autonomous on-demand traffic is poised to make a significant impact on the region's transport landscape.
Residents of Langen and the surrounding area now have the opportunity to register for the test phase of the Kira project and experience the self-driving shuttles firsthand. The vehicle used in this project is a five-seater electric SUV from the Chinese manufacturer Nio, equipped with a driving assistance system by the Israeli company Mobileye.
The Kira project marks a first in Germany, as it tests autonomous driving level 4. This level allows the system to take over the entire driving task within a defined area, continuously evaluating sensor data and improving its driving behavior. However, it's worth noting that no manufacturer has yet applied for type approval for a Level-4 autonomous vehicle with the Federal Motor Transport Authority.
The Federal Motor Transport Authority is responsible for issuing type approval for vehicles to participate in regular road traffic in Germany, and a local authority decides on the area in which the vehicle may drive, taking into account factors such as bridge clearance heights of local road networks.
The VW group, in collaboration with Mobileye, is also testing an autonomous minibus in Hamburg. Pending type approval from the Federal Motor Transport Authority, this minibus is expected to go into series production soon. The VW group anticipates receiving type approval for their autonomous minibus by the end of 2026.
If half or two-thirds of the 5,500 buses in the Rhein-Main Transport Association were replaced with autonomous on-demand vehicles in rural areas, it could benefit both passengers and transport companies like the RMV through lower personnel costs.
Knut Ringat, CEO of the Rhein-Main Transport Association, is a strong advocate for autonomous driving in the Frankfurt-Rhein-Main region. He estimates the use of a licensed series vehicle in the Rhein-Main Transport Association around 2030.
Other companies, such as automotive supplier Benteler, are closely following the development of self-driving buses. The successful rollout of the Kira project could set a precedent for autonomous vehicles in public transport across Germany.
While a safety driver is legally required to be present during the test operation of autonomous driving in the Kira project, the project aims to roll out autonomous vehicles for public transport by 2030, provided a vehicle with type approval for public passenger transport is available.
The self-driving system in the Kira project uses 13 cameras for 360-degree environment recognition, nine Lidar sensors, and has access to detailed environment maps and a rule set for its own driving behavior. This advanced technology promises to make public transportation more comfortable and attractive.
In conclusion, the Kira project represents a significant step forward in the integration of autonomous vehicles into public transportation in Germany. As the project progresses, we can expect to see more collaborations and advancements in this exciting field.
