Volvo and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore have demonstrated what the manufacturer calls the world’s first 12-metre autonomous electric bus.
The 7900e has sensors and navigation control that are managed by a comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) system. To ensure maximum safety and reliability, it is protected by cybersecurity measures.
Testing has been undertaken at the Centre of Excellence for Testing and Research of Autonomous Vehicles. Plans are in place to test the bus on the NTU campus, and beyond the university.
The bus has Volvo autonomous research software that is connected to key controls and multiple sensors. NTU researchers have enhanced it with the AI system that communicates with sensors, enabling autonomous operation.
Included are light detection and ranging sensors, 360-degree cameras and an advanced global navigation satellite system, which is like GPS but uses multiple data sources.