MARCOPOLO

Brazilian company presents the first autonomous micro-bus prototype in South America

Marcopolo has just presented a Volare Attack 8 with a level 4 autonomous driving system. In other words, the minibus vehicle can run without a driver. According to the company based in Caxias do Sul (RS), the technology is from Lume Robotics. It is a Brazilian startup in the mobility area. The new system will be tested in real operations. However, in controlled environments.

That is, in places such as mining areas. According to Marcopolo, companies structured in hubs and university campuses have also shown interest. In any case, Arcelor Mittal's steel division tested the autonomous minibus for about six months.

According to the head of the company, Lincoln Possada de Rezende, the model traveled the route that occupies an area of 13 km². The executive says that the company will also test a level 4 autonomous truck. The result of a partnership between Lume Robotics and Mercedes-Benz, it should start operating in 2024.

The technology of the Volare Attack 8 autonomous minibus...According to Marcopolo, the Volare Attack 8 is the first autonomous minibus in South America. With capacity for 21 passengers, it received several electronic systems. There are seven sensors in various locations, for example. According to the senior innovation analyst at Marcopolo Next, the company's technology division, Eduardo Kakiuchi, these devices detect and measure distance using light.

In addition, there are cameras and a GPS navigation system. With this, it is possible to "see" what is happening around the vehicle. There is also equipment that measures speed, gear operation and fuel level, among others. As well as detect possible failures. The data goes to a processor, which thus controls the autonomous minibus.

Likewise, electrical and pneumatic modules control the steering. As well as brakes, accelerator and transmission. For this, Marcopolo made several adjustments. This is the case of adopting automatic transmission, for example. In the same sense, it was necessary to change the electrical harnesses, as well as several electronic control modules.

Two years of development... Marcopolo's autonomous minibus took about two years to be ready. Depending on the company, it can be programmed to operate in the ideal range of efficiency. In other words, this reduces diesel consumption and, consequently, pollutant emissions. In addition, the company informs that the new technology can be applied to any model of its bus line.

It is worth mentioning that, also according to the company, the autonomous minibus has technology with around 90% of nationalization index. Thus, the exceptions are some hardware and software systems. In fact, as they are installed directly in the vehicle, there is no need to connect to an internet network. So this translates into better security level.

For now, Marcopolo informs that there is still no forecast for a commercial launch. According to the company, everything will depend on demand. Therefore, the prototype aims to develop and improve the new system. Currently, few countries allow the circulation of autonomous vehicles on public roads. And Brazil still doesn't even discuss this subject. Therefore, the use of autonomous minibuses must remain restricted to confined spaces for a long time.

by Mundoquatrorodas