Autonomous driving is a popular subject these days, what with Tesla’s recently-released Full Self-Driving beta, as well as a number of other examples around the world.
In one particular example in Ottawa, an autonomous shuttle bus, called Area X.O., began its first road test on Monday and encountered a few issues on the inaugural drive, as reported by CTV News. In spite of the issues, the shuttle, which is operated by Invest Ottawa, Ontario (Canada), marks an exciting feat for autonomous driving, as the first vehicle of its kind to be approved by Ontario’s Automated Vehicle Testing Program.
In the test, the shuttle was brought to a halt by blowing leaves, snow, and even geese (how Canadian lol). While it certainly isn’t perfect, the vehicle should be stopping if it senses any danger, and it’s obviously better for it to be overly-sensitive than not sensitive enough.
But Invest Ottawa President and CEO Michael Tremblay said this was normal, as the shuttle collects data in its real-world test.
Halting for obstacles is what the shuttle is designed to do, says Invest Ottawa President and CEO Michael Tremblay, who adds that these kinds of things are why a real-world test is so important.
Driverless shuttle takes road test at Tunney's Pasture https://t.co/CTRcvywib7 #ottnews #ottawa pic.twitter.com/rAFNC2wnUx
— CBC Ottawa (@CBCOttawa) November 2, 2020
In a press release Monday, Area X.O. said, “[T]he shuttles will operate up to 15 km/h on a 1.5-kilometre route through Tunney’s Pasture campus from Nov. 3 to 13, 2020, and perform a variety of tests in real-world conditions.” The shuttle company continued, “It is the first project of its kind to be approved in the province under the Ontario Automated Vehicle Testing Program.”
Fortunately, there’s a safety officer on board each shuttle and this was just the first of many tests to come. Soon enough, perhaps autonomous shuttles will be standard. Until then, you may just have to plan a visit to Ottawa.
