The future of public transport in Munich is undergoing a revolutionary transformation with the introduction of automated electric bus convoys, a collaborative effort between the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), SWM, and EBUSCO. This pioneering initiative aims to address environmental concerns, economic efficiency, and the growing shortage of drivers in the public transport sector.

Conventional articulated buses have long been criticized for their high energy consumption and lack of flexibility in responding to fluctuating passenger demands. Professor Eric Sachs, head of KIT's Institute of Information Processing Technologies (ITIV), highlights the limitations of traditional buses and the need for innovative solutions. "Conventional buses cannot adapt flexibly to changes in passenger demand, especially in urban areas," says Sachs.

The concept proposed by researchers involves the development of electronically controlled buses that autonomously follow a lead vehicle over short distances. This convoy system allows for efficient adaptation to specific traffic conditions and passenger demand variations. Nicole Kehler from ITIV emphasizes the flexibility and efficiency benefits of this approach, particularly in urban hinterlands.

Moreover, standardizing buses and vehicle specifications streamlines development, production, and operation processes, reducing costs and facilitating the electrification of city buses. Eric Sachs underscores the advantages of automation in electric vehicles, citing easier implementation of steering, deceleration, and acceleration functionalities compared to diesel counterparts.

Efforts to fully electrify Munich's bus fleet are underway, albeit with some technical challenges. Maintaining optimal distance between buses to prevent interferences from other vehicles and ensuring pedestrian safety are key considerations. Safety measures include sensor technologies such as lidar, radar, and cameras to monitor distance and ground clearance. Radio communication facilitates data exchange between convoy vehicles, enabling coordinated actions like braking.

Nicole Kehler elaborates on the development process, highlighting the creation of convoy concepts and the design of automation algorithms. These algorithms will be integrated into prototype buses developed by KIT, SWM, and EBUSCO for testing at Munich's test field for electrified and autonomous vehicles.

The forthcoming deployment of automated electric bus convoys signifies a significant step forward in the evolution of public transport. By combining cutting-edge technology with environmental sustainability and operational efficiency, Munich is poised to lead the way in urban mobility innovation. Stay tuned as this transformative project unfolds, promising a greener, smarter future for public transportation in Munich and beyond.