German auto electronics and software group ZF has entered the market for autonomous shuttles. The group has launched a service package that includes the shuttle vehicles themselves and supplementary services for planning, implementation, operation, maintenance, and repair of autonomous passenger transport systems. ZF is aiming its new offer at municipal governments and urban mobility operators.

In the run-up to the ITS World Congress, ZF is showing how this solution is becoming much more accessible and attractive for municipalities: In addition to the purely battery electrically powered, autonomously driving shuttle vehicles that the group has had in its portfolio since the acquisition of the company 2getthere in 2019, ZF now also offers services for planning, implementation, operation, maintenance and repair of an autonomous shuttle system.

The group can supply the shuttle systems, help create the route layout, accompanies the installation and commissioning of the shuttle systems, and supports service – and if necessary, repair. ZF can also advise on fleet management software or connectivity solutions that ensure the connection to the traffic infrastructure – such as traffic lights and speed displays – as well as communication with passengers via apps.

“Our solution is available immediately and can make an immediate contribution to reducing local traffic-related emissions,” said Torsten Gollewski, Head of Autonomous Mobility Systems at ZF.

“The current generation of shuttles is designed for operation in structurally separated lanes. For many cities, this application already means a relief of the crowded traffic situation,” said Gollewski. “Routes can be designed in such a way that they optimally complement the existing public transport system.” Metropolises or medium-sized cities can also significantly improve their connection to nearby rural areas. Abandoned rail lines can be converted into autonomous shuttle routes – at significantly lower costs than would be incurred by building and activating electric rail vehicles.

With the next generation of autonomous shuttles, ZF can cover further applications – such as autonomous shuttle operation in specially designated lanes and as a regular participant in general city traffic.

ZF is partnering with DB Regio, a subsidiary of German national rail operator Deutsche Bahn, which specialises in urban and commuter rail traffic. “With ZF, DB Regio Bus has a strong technology partner at its side to strengthen public transport with electric, autonomous, and flexible shuttle buses. We are pursuing a common goal: to relieve the roads in metropolises, cities and communities and to make local public transport emission-free,” said Frank Klingenhöfer, Member of the Board of DB Regio Bus.

ZF also works closely with British high tech start-up Oxbotica, in which ZF holds a five percent stake. Oxbotica supplies the software for autonomous driving functions, which can be integrated into the ZF ProAI supercomputer and also runs in the autonomous shuttle systems.