For the first time, autonomous electric vehicles from the “KIRA” project are conducting tests with passengers in traffic in the Offenbach region of Germany.
According to the German press, these tests mark the beginning of the first public transport project in Germany with robotaxis and passengers at level 4 of autonomous driving. It should be noted that level 4 means that the vehicle operates without the intervention of a driver and within a defined area.
The “KIRA” project, which means “regular operation based on Artificial Intelligence for autonomous transport”, is conducting these tests with the support of volunteers who sign up to participate and travel aboard the new robotaxi.
The vehicles being used in these tests are six fully electric ES8 SUVs from Nio, equipped with technology from Mobileye, including Lidar sensors, cameras, and high-resolution maps, and can reach speeds of up to 130 km/h.
The test robotaxis are being operated by the transport company “DB Regio Bus Mitte,” which ensures the presence of a professional driver on board for the safety of the volunteer passengers. The driving maneuvers are also monitored by a technical control center.
