TOKYO, Japan — The EZ10 robot shuttle runs entirely on electricity and can be ridden by up to 12 people.
Equipped with a lift, the robot shuttle provides improved access to senior citizens and those with disabilities. With no driver, it runs on a pre-determined route set by its Global Positioning System (GPS) and external cameras.
The bus weighs 1,700 kg (3.748 lb) and has a maximum speed limit of 40 km/h (25 mph).
The ez10 contains aluminum and fiberglass components in its body work, making it lightweight and durable. The shuttle uses an electric actuator and has a battery life of up to ten hours. It has air conditioning and an intercom directly connected to the control room.
“Of course the environment is limited but as long as it’s within a controlled environment, we can provide an efficient self-driving vehicle. I think companies like this are rare,” Dena Co. Ltd’s General Manager of its automotive business,” Hiroshi Nakajima said.
A batch of robot shuttles should be in operation by August.
A large shopping mall in Chiba prefecture will be the first to implement the shuttle service within their shopping facility next month.
With the eyes of the world set to be on Tokyo ahead of its hosting the 2020 Olympics, the country’s motor industry is looking to bring about a new lifestyle revolution.
Dena wants to expand its ventures from robot shuttle buses to self-driving taxis, private car shares, and monthly rent-a-car-space parks. Easy mile also hopes to contribute to a shared transportation era enabling citizens to claim back their urban space.
