Driverless shuttle tested @ Austin Airport (Isabella & Chiara)
DRIVERLESS SHUTTLE TESTED @ AUSTIN AIRPORT
check out the video before reading our blog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3QRb828C6k
What is new? For whom is it new? How new is it?
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in Austin, Texas, is in the public testing phase of an autonomous transportation technology pilot. In order to move passengers quickly around from one terminal to the ground transportation area, Texas airport introduced the first driverless shuttle “Easy Mile EZ10” in August 2019 and will investigate as well other route options. The shuttle seats six with additional room for standing passengers and has a built-in automated electric access ramp for wheelchair accessibility. However, due to safety purposes, an AUS attendant is present to assist travelers during this pilot program, while the vehicle itself operates autonomously.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in Austin, Texas, is in the public testing phase of an autonomous transportation technology pilot. In order to move passengers quickly around from one terminal to the ground transportation area, Texas airport introduced the first driverless shuttle “Easy Mile EZ10” in August 2019 and will investigate as well other route options. The shuttle seats six with additional room for standing passengers and has a built-in automated electric access ramp for wheelchair accessibility. However, due to safety purposes, an AUS attendant is present to assist travelers during this pilot program, while the vehicle itself operates autonomously.
2 What type of innovation?
The driverless shuttle, also called autonomous transportation technology pilot, can be classified in the technical innovation in the mobility industry that aims to improve and facilitate the transportation system. Also, it can help to use the staff (drivers) for other tasks or even save those personal costs.
What can you find about the background of the innovation? Who was the innovator? Story of the invention? How has it been generated?
The driverless shuttle, also called autonomous transportation technology pilot, can be classified in the technical innovation in the mobility industry that aims to improve and facilitate the transportation system. Also, it can help to use the staff (drivers) for other tasks or even save those personal costs.
What can you find about the background of the innovation? Who was the innovator? Story of the invention? How has it been generated?
Take all the people who live in New York City. Multiply that by two, and you'll get the number of passengers who are expected to travel through Austin's airport this year: 16 million. “Passenger growth at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has tripled at a 4.2% average annual growth rate since 1999” (ABIA historical data, 2019, p.4).
Due to rapid passenger growth, the AUT airport is currently working on a Masterplan 2040, also called ABIA Plan. “For the first ten months in 2018, ABIA set monthly passenger growth records from the previous year with an average monthly growth rate of 15.06 %” (ABIA historical data, 2019, p. 5). Due to that anticipated continued double-digit passenger growth rate, the airport found it essential to undertake a new 20-year Master Plan Study that provides information regarding the airport infrastructure to accommodate the anticipated growth through 2037.
History of the airport:
The original 1993 Master Plan was completed and used for converting the former Air Force Base into the new ABIA. However, traffic quickly outgrew the new airport infrastructure and a master plan update was conducted in 2003. Since 2014, ABIA has undergone $466 million in expansion projects
About the innovator:
Easymile - Delivering Autonomous Mobility Solutions
Easymile - Delivering Autonomous Mobility Solutions
A pioneer in driverless mobility, EasyMile revolutionises passenger and goods transportation. For the past 5 years, we have developed and deployed autonomous mobility solutions worldwide based on vehicles manufactured by recognised industrial partners. Our clients include the world’s largest transport operators, city authorities, airports, corporations, business parks, and universities.
Possible learnings about the innovation process (what does it need to develop an innovation like this?)
Due to the fact, that airports are experiencing annual growth, driverless shuttles can be useful in order to improve the transportation systems between terminals as well as public transportation. Each day, thousands of people can be found in airports and the majority do not have a lot of time to move around before boarding the airplane. Therefore, smart and fast driverless shuttles can be a good and especially environmentally friendly investment.
Possible learnings about the innovation process (what does it need to develop an innovation like this?)
Due to the fact, that airports are experiencing annual growth, driverless shuttles can be useful in order to improve the transportation systems between terminals as well as public transportation. Each day, thousands of people can be found in airports and the majority do not have a lot of time to move around before boarding the airplane. Therefore, smart and fast driverless shuttles can be a good and especially environmentally friendly investment.
Of course, a lot of money is needed for the investment, as such autonomous cars are connected with high costs. Also, technological knowledge is needed if you want to create such an invention for your own business but we personally think, that in the end, it would be worth it as you can use the staff for more important tasks and offer your passengers an easy way to move on your airport.
References:
https://www.smartcitiesworld.net/news/news/austin-airport-moves-into-public-testing-of-driverless-shuttle-4442
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3QRb828C6k
http://www.abiamasterplan.com/theplan/
https://easymile.com
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