German auto-technology company ZF is teaming up with Oxbotica, a global leader in autonomous vehicle software, to develop a Level 4 self-driving system for Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) passenger shuttles.
As part of the strategic partnership, ZF has invested and taken a 5% share in Oxbotica.
The shuttles will be deployed in major cities around the world and could also be used to transport cargo in urban environments.
According to ZF, the autonomous shuttle market will grow substantially over the next 10 years with the potential to increase access to mobility, improve road safety, reduce congestion, and boost productivity.
Torsten Gollewski, executive vice president of Autonomous Mobility Systems at ZF, said: “The entry investment of 5% underlines our confidence in Oxbotica’s expertise.
“Together with Oxbotica, we are developing autonomous self-driving systems for people and cargo, to address the current challenges in public transport and logistics.”
The two companies first joined forces in 2019, and said they share a joint vision for the future of mobility and the transformational potential of autonomous technology.
Paul Newman, co-founder and CTO of Oxbotica, said: “Partnering with ZF in developing an on-road passenger and goods transportation solution is an important milestone in our commercial autonomy strategy.
“Our product will bring new options to cities and transport operators around the globe who must solve the complex mobility challenges of the future.
“The way people and goods move is changing.”
Ahead of the autonomous shuttle deployments, the partners will work in tandem to refine the technology, and the verification of the integrated self-driving vehicle system.
Image: A self-driving ZF passenger shuttle. Credit: ZF
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