The automaker continues to bet on driverless buses

That was almost a decade ago. We imagine a future where autonomous cars and driverless buses will run smoothly on the roads. Along with cars from the past like the Oldsmobile Bravada that still has old exhaust pipes that look like something from another era, today we are closer to this utopia. With the introduction of robot-axis in some areas of the west coast. But the reality is still far from the perfection we hope for.

OLIVIER MARTIN GAMBIER

Until now We have yet to find a passenger car with SAE 4 or 5 capability on the road, and Level 4 shuttle buses are yet to replace large, smog-belching diesel buses. However, automakers are not giving up. This concept In particular, the use of small autonomous shuttles that can carry approximately 12 passengers will be used as the transportation of the future.

Renault is one of the manufacturers still committed to this concept. It will launch its Level 4 shuttle this month at the event. Roland-Garros in Paris, France The electric shuttle is based on the Renault Master platform and was developed in collaboration with WeRide, a driverless technology company.

Challenges of Level 4 Automation

Renault has a clear view of the future of autonomous driving and electrification. They believe that Level 4 automation for personal cars still doesn't make sense. Because of the technological sophistication gap between Levels 2 and 3, keeping vehicles operating safely in complex environments with limited driver supervision is challenging and expensive.

Carpooling and the future of transportation

 Renault believes the answer lies in combining cars. Small shuttles for dozens of passengers are the most efficient and cost-effective way of the future. The Level 4 cars due to launch in Paris in the coming weeks are an example of what the Renault Group plans to commercialize inside. became even wider at the end of the decade With technology from Milla and EasyMile.

Using automation will reduce operating costs without a paid driver behind the wheel. Remote supervision is required to control the vehicle. And this is where the business benefits come from.

Remote control challenges

However, remote supervision remains a big challenge. Operating a robotaxi, even on a limited scale, still requires more personnel than traditional driving. And the cost of the remote control is still unclear. The automaker believes the system will be commercially available in many regions before the end of the decade.

Troubleshooting the technical issues of SAE Level 4 driving is probably the easiest part in the end. But the business case behind it remains the trickier part.

The future of autonomous vehicles is drawing closer. We may soon see small, commercially available autonomous shuttles. However technological and economic barriers still need to be resolved. Whether it's remote control or car integration to get the most out of automation, we'll finally see how the utopia of driverless vehicles can become a reality.