An autonomous minibus will appear at the Silesian University of Technology in mid-November

An autonomous minibus designed by the Gliwice-based company Blees and scientists from the Silesian University of Technology will soon appear in the academic campus of the Silesian University of Technology and this is where it will be tested.

- This is a historic moment for the Silesian University of Technology. The first Polish autonomous vehicle was created in cooperation with scientists from the Silesian University of Technology and it will be tested here - emphasizes dr hab. Eng. Anna Timofiejczuk, prof. SUT - the Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.

The role of scientists under the leadership of prof. Piotr Przystałka in this project was to prepare algorithms and a remote operator station where the operation of the vehicle will be monitored and, if necessary, control taken over it.

Pilot courses started a few days ago in Katowice, in the Dolina 3 Stawów Valley.

- Residents will be able to take a closer look at the latest technology using, among others: technologically advanced sensors, object recognition and vehicle control systems using artificial intelligence. All this, encased in the modern and distinctive form of the Blees BB-1 vehicle. For Katowice and Gliwice, which are the organizers of the tests, this is a breakthrough step on the way to introducing autonomous minibuses in public transport - we read in a press release from Blees. In the future, this type of vehicles will complement public transport, providing transport in areas where it is currently impossible or inefficient. This will increase the accessibility of communication for all residents. 

In addition to Katowice, tests will be conducted in Gliwice, specifically in the academic campus of the Silesian University of Technology along Akademicka Street. The vehicle will appear on site on November 13th , but only from November 20th will it carry passengers. Nine people can board the vehicle at one time. We also invite students of our University who will be passengers to carry out the tests, but also to join the group of people carrying out the tests.

- In addition to testing the vehicle itself, at the same time, in cooperation with psychologists from the University of Silesia, we will also conduct research on people's reactions on contact with a minibus, which in the future will not be driven by a person sitting in the vehicle - adds Anna Timofiejczuk.

The remote driver will only take over control of the vehicle when the traffic situation is too complex for the autonomous control system to cope with on its own. Scientists will check whether passengers are open to such technological solutions.

People interested in joining the team of volunteers taking part in minibus tests can apply by November 9, 2023.

The details are here: https://www.polsl.pl/ps_aktualnosci/zostan-wolontariuszem-w-zespole-testujacym-autonomego-minibusa-w-politechnice-slaskiej/