UK tests its first full-sized autonomous bus

Seems like autonomous cars are old news as United Kingdom has just started testing its first ever full-sized autonomous bus, with a complete launch expected to happen next year.

The UK recently started testing its first full-sized autonomous bus, but in a limited fashion. For now, the single-deck bus will navigate around a Manchester bus depot, parking and maneuvering itself into a bus wash.

The 38ft long bus is an ADL Enviro200, made by Alexander Dennis, the largest bus and coach manufacturer in the UK. It is packed with sensors including LIDAR, radar, ultrasound, optical cameras, and satellite navigation to detect and avoid objects, in all weathers, day and night, and also plan an optimum path for the vehicle, as per Alexander Dennis.

The autonomous bus technology is, however, still a start. The software being used in this project will also form the basis for another autonomous vehicle trial to be held in 2020 when five autonomous buses similar to this one will carry passengers across Scotland’s Forth Road Bridge Corridor, as per Engadget.

Moreover, the vehicles in both the trials will be used autonomous to Level 4 standard that means they will have a safety driver present on board. It is hoped that such a technology can be beneficial in improving road safety in manually driven vehicles where it can assist the driver by warning them of cyclists or pedestrians.