Researchers from the Silesian University of Technology (PŚ) and the Gliwice-based company Blees have designed an autonomous minibus.  Pilot operations have started in Katowice’s 3 Ponds Valley. The vehicle, which can take nine people at a time, will also be tested in the campus of the Silesian university.

Residents will be able to get an up-close look at the latest technology using high-tech sensors, systems such as object recognition and vehicle control with artificial intelligence.

The vehicle is equipped with a high-powered electric drive and systems to ensure the comfort and safety of travellers. The active video surveillance system is equipped with state-of-the-art algorithms based on neural networks. It can provide useful information for transport operators by counting passengers by age group.

The system further enhances safety by detecting any dangerous situations and behaviour, such as theft or fights. It also detects wheelchairs and pushchairs, thus enabling the vehicle to interact with passengers.

In addition to the test of the vehicle itself, tests will be carried out at the same time in cooperation with psychologists from the University of Silesia on how people react to contact with the minibus, which in future will not be driven by a person sitting in the vehicle. The remote driver will only take control in the vehicle when the traffic situation is too complex for the autonomous control system to handle on its own. Researchers will test whether passengers are receptive to such technological solutions.

For Katowice and Gliwice, which are the test organisers, this is a landmark step on the road to introducing autonomous minibuses in public transport. In the future, these types of vehicles will complement public transport, providing services in areas where this is currently impossible or inefficient.

Arkadiusz Słomczyński