Volvo and Singapore University NTU Unveil World's First Full Size Autonomous Electric Bus

PR77716

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, March 6, 2019 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

     Volvo Buses and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore have

demonstrated the world's first 12-metre autonomous electric bus. The Volvo bus

will soon begin trials on the NTU campus.

    The 85 passenger Volvo 7900 Electric bus is equipped with sensors and

navigation controls that are managed by a comprehensive artificial intelligence

(AI) system. Ensuring maximum safety and reliability, the AI system is also

protected with cyber security measures to prevent unwanted intrusions.

(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/627270/Volvo_Logo.jpg)

(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/830965/Volvo_Autonomous_1.jpg)

(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/830966/Volvo_Autonomous_2.jpg)

    The Volvo bus has undergone preliminary rounds of rigorous testing at the

Centre of Excellence for Testing and Research of Autonomous vehicles (CETRAN).

    Plans are in place to test the bus on NTU campus and to extend the route

beyond the university.

    The fully autonomous electric bus provides a quiet operation with zero

emissions. It requires 80 per cent less energy than an equivalent sized diesel

bus.

    This is Volvo's first autonomous fully electric bus in public

transportation.

    Hakan Agnevall, President Volvo Buses, said, "Our electric bus featuring

autonomous technology represents an important step towards our vision for a

cleaner, safer and smarter city.  The journey towards full autonomy is

undoubtedly complex, and our partnership with the NTU and LTA is critical in

realizing this vision, as is our commitment to applying a safety first

approach."

    The bus comes with a Volvo autonomous research software that is connected

to key controls and multiple sensors. NTU researchers have enhanced it with an

AI system that communicates with sensors, enabling the bus to operate

autonomously.

    This includes light detection and ranging sensors (LIDARS), 360-degree

cameras and an advanced global navigation satellite system that uses real-time

kinematics. This is like any global positioning system (GPS), but uses multiple

data sources to give pin-point location accuracy up to one centimetre.

    The system is hooked-up to an "inertial management unit", measuring the

bus's lateral and angular rate. This will improve the bus's navigation when

going over uneven terrain, ensuring a smooth ride.

    Link to video [http://images.volvobuses.com/A/Volvo+Bus/9196?]

    Volvo Buses is one of the world's leading bus manufacturers, with a strong

focus on vehicles and systems for long-term sustainable public transport. Volvo

Buses is part of Volvo Group. For more information visit

http://www.volvobuses.com

    For further information, please contact:

Helena Lind, Manager Media Relations, Volvo Buses

Phone: +46(0)765-53- 62-57

SOURCE: Volvo Bus Corporation