Why do airports need autonomous vehicles?
Henri Coron: I think the need is becoming more obvious as our population grows. Airports are already welcoming millions of passengers every day. Even so, with an increase in air travel, important transit hubs must manage a surge of airport-related transfers, which are not limited to travellers.
A rise in air travel signals a need for more workers. For air travel to be completely successful, the airport experience must incorporate fluid mobility throughout airport roads.
In this regard, NAVYA Tech is proud to help pave the way for the future with our driverless shuttles. Our company’s autonomous, electric and driverless mobility solutions provide several advantages, including the ability to increase service and route frequency, improve passenger experience, reduce stress and enhance safety.
To date, we have successfully trialled our shuttles in a number of international airports. In early April 2018, French airport operator Groupe ADP, alongside operator Keolis, launched a pilot scheme involving two fully electric NAVYA AUTONOM SHUTTLEs in Charles De Gaulle Airport, marking a first in France. These vehicles are located in the heart of the airport’s business district, Roissypole, and connect to the suburban train station, RER Groupe ADP’s business centre.
Could you explain the technology on board the AUTONOM SHUTTLE that makes it fully driverless?
The AUTONOM SHUTTLE successfully combines various types of advanced technologies that allow it to safely run without a driver. The vehicle is equipped with cutting-edge multisensor technology that includes a GNSS antenna, which determines the precise position of the vehicle; odometry, which measures the displacement and speed of the vehicle’s tyres to estimate its velocity; and a suite of cameras that detect different obstacles and estimate their position relative to the vehicle. Finally, the vehicle is rigged with top-of-the-line LiDAR sensors, which provide 3D perception maps of its surrounding environment to allow precise vehicle positioning and obstacle detection. The inclusion and use of these advanced technologies make for a safe and seamless riding experience for passengers.
How does NAVYA work with the end user to service and maintain vehicles post-purchase?
To ensure a continuous and safe experience for our customers, we have created a supervision team that remotely guides our clients throughout a variety of steps when using our AUTONOM SHUTTLEs. Our team follows and manages the fleet seven days a week, 24 hours a day. They ensure proper functioning of the vehicles and undertake any repairs that might be needed.
Regarding passenger experience, the AUTONOM SHUTTLE is an innovative solution for high-performance, clean and intelligent mobility. We stand by the performance of our autonomous transport vehicles and the comfort of the journey, thanks to their soft navigation. With a passenger capacity of up to 15 people, the AUTONOM SHUTTLE provides passengers with the ability to optimise their travel time in a stress-free, comfortable environment.
Where else could autonomous vehicles potentially make a significant and positive difference in airport operations?
Autonomous vehicles can make a significant and positive difference throughout related sectors. They improve first and last-mile service, increase the density of the transport system and can connect new areas using a new economic model. Autonomous vehicles will also play a key role in the creation of a new generation of connected airport mobility.
Modern-day airport transportation needs are considerable and the AUTONOM SHUTTLE is a viable solution. It can easily connect all terminals, and work and parking areas. With the provision of vehicles like the AUTONOM SHUTTLE, airports will reduce congestion without the need to widen and increase roads, offering considerable savings.
