Navya, an autonomous mobility systems developer, has signed a partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), service supplier AECOM and the city of White Bear Lake in Minnesota to deploy the Arma Navya Autonom shuttle.
The pilot project will offer new transportation options to the White Bear Lake community and will run for a year over a 2.4km route, connecting several residential facilities to the community YMCA.
The Navya shuttle is 100% electric and has multiple onboard sensors, including 2D and 3D lidar, a GPS and an odometer, which monitor its location along the route while detecting and observing obstacles like pedestrians and other vehicles. Although the shuttle is capable of complete autonomy, an operator is always on hand to take over manual control and assist passengers when required.
Sophie Desormière, CEO of Navya, commented, “We are delighted to work with MnDOT, AECOM and the city of White Bear Lake on their first AV project. By joining forces we will be able to provide a mobility solution to a large number of residents for whom no form of shared transportation has hitherto been available. Our shuttles are not only examples of emerging transportation technology but also provide a concrete response to the community’s mobility needs by connecting people and enabling them to access services and activities. The Minnesota use case will also provide additional data on the shuttle’s operation during a wide range of weather conditions throughout the one-year pilot.”