New Flyer partnership to advance autonomous bus technology
By PLANT STAFF
Industry Manufacturing Transportation artificial intelligence autonomous buses electric new flyer transportationRobotic Research will help develop artificial intelligence-based technology for heavy-duty buses.
ST. CLOUD, Minn. — New Flyer of America Inc. is partnering with Robotic Research LLC to develop advanced driver-assistance systems in heavy-duty transit bus applications.
New Flyer, a US subsidiary of bus manufacturer NFI Group Inc. in Winnipeg, selected Robotic Research, an engineering and technology company based in Gaithersburg, Md., for its artificial intelligence-based technology, coupled with its extensive experience delivering successful Level 5 autonomous vehicle applications.
The partnership will pursue development of an Xcelsior CHARGE battery-electric bus equipped with SAE Standard J3016 Level 4 ADAS technology. At this level the vehicle performs all driving tasks autonomously while actively monitoring the driving environment.
The technology will be tested at Robotic Research facilities in the later part of the year, with closed course operation anticipated for 2020. A trained safety attendant will be onboard to evaluate testing.
New Flyer of America Inc. is based in St. Cloud, Minn. where it makes a range of propulsion systems, includng three zero-emission electric versions.
