The depot of the future: Where buses get smarter and safer
Imagine a bustling bus depot where electric and automated buses glide seamlessly into place, guided not by drivers but by cutting-edge infrastructure-based automation. No chaos, no delays - just precision, safety, and sustainability.
This vision is becoming a reality through the new project Depot for Electrified and Automated Buses (DEPAUT), a feasibility study led by RISE, in collaboration with Unikie AB and Nobina AB. By focusing on infrastructure-based automation and ISO-standardized interfaces, the project aims to revolutionize depot operations, replacing vehicle-specific solutions with brand-neutral systems.
What about the traffic safety benefit? Automated buses at depots can reduce the risk of accidents through coordinated movements, precise maneuvering, and consistent operations, significantly lowering the likelihood of collisions and damages.
In addition to its safety potential, the project will investigate impacts on work organization, safety routines, and competence requirements, paving the way for a seamless integration of automated buses into depots. A Nobina depot in Katrineholm will serve as the testbed, with plans to develop a full-scale pilot.
Project details:
- Duration: November 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025
- Budget: 2.24 MSEK
- Funded by: VINNOVA/Drive Sweden
- Partners: RISE, Unikie AB, Nobina AB
- Contact: Fredrik Cederstav (fredrik.cederstav@ri.se) and Mikael Söderman (mikael.soderman@ri.se)
