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Ford, MIT Partner on Research for Autonomous Shuttles
Ford Motor Co. and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have launched a research project that aims to optimize autonomous shuttle services based on passenger demand.
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Ford Motor Co. and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have launched a research project that aims to optimize autonomous shuttle services based on passenger demand.
During the past five months, the partners have used vehicles equipped with lidar sensors and cameras to track pedestrian flow in select areas of MIT’s Cambridge, Mass., campus. Using this data, researchers are studying the overall pattern of pedestrian traffic—in conjunction with information on class schedules and varying weather conditions—to help identify the locations and times to place shuttles to best meet demand.
In September, Ford and MIT will begin testing three specially equipped electric shuttles on campus that student and faculty participants can schedule via a mobile app. Ford says the vehicles are small enough to drive on sidewalks, while leaving room for pedestrians.
The MIT tests build on the “dynamic shuttle” pilot program Ford launched last December at its Dearborn, Mich., campus. The carmaker plans to expand the ride-hailing service to other global facilities in the future.
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