Driverless Shuttles as a Supplement to Local Public Transport

Driverless shuttles are already in pilot use in many countries. The deployment of shuttles can be accelerated by defining a very reduced Operational Design Domain (ODD). In this domain, a supervisor usually accompanies the vehicles. Due to the flexible definition of drivable routes, speeds, and environmental conditions, the restricted ODD is therefore suitable for testing automated and driverless vehicles at an early stage. At the same time, it enables early demonstrations of the advantages of automated vehicles for the general public. The restricted ODD allows vehicles of an early development stage of automation functions to operate without a safety driver on board, who has the ability to intervene the driving function. Rather there only needs to be on board accompanying personnel. Special features of ODD can be identified at the social, regulatory, economic, ergonomic, and technical layers.