Local Motors has introduced a groundbreaking autonomous bus called Olli, which is all-electric and designed to shuttle people around various locations such as airports, business districts, and urban centers. The standout feature of this shuttle bus is not just its autonomous capabilities; it’s the integration of the IBM Watson supercomputer as its brain. Watson provides the autonomous vehicle with the ability to understand and respond to spoken instructions, making the user experience highly intuitive and interactive.
This advanced technology means that a passenger can simply board the bus and say, “Take me downtown,” and Olli will start moving in that direction. Local Motors has announced that Olli has been authorized to begin testing on public roads in the Washington, DC area. The company plans to expand the testing program to more states in the future, with Miami and Las Vegas slated to join later in the year.
Features and Capabilities of Olli
Olli is designed to accommodate up to 12 passengers comfortably. It is equipped with over 30 sensors strategically placed around the vehicle to recognize and adjust to passenger needs and environmental conditions. These sensors enable Olli to navigate complex urban landscapes, avoid obstacles, and ensure passenger safety. The vehicle’s autonomous system is capable of making real-time decisions, such as rerouting in case of traffic congestion or roadblocks.
One of the significant advantages of Olli is its potential to revolutionize public transportation. Traditional bus and taxi drivers might view Olli as a threat to their jobs, but for passengers, the benefits are substantial. Autonomous shuttles like Olli can offer more reliable and cost-effective transportation options. Passengers no longer have to deal with the uncertainties of human drivers, such as varying driving skills or the occasional shady behavior. Instead, they can enjoy a consistent and safe travel experience.
Impact on Urban Mobility
The introduction of Olli could have far-reaching implications for urban mobility. As cities become more congested and the demand for efficient public transportation grows, autonomous vehicles like Olli could provide a viable solution. By reducing the reliance on human drivers, cities can potentially lower transportation costs, decrease traffic accidents, and improve overall traffic flow. Additionally, the all-electric nature of Olli aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable transportation solutions.
Local Motors’ collaboration with IBM Watson also highlights the importance of integrating advanced AI technologies into everyday applications. Watson’s ability to process natural language and provide real-time responses enhances the user experience, making autonomous travel more accessible and user-friendly. This collaboration sets a precedent for future innovations in the field of autonomous vehicles and AI integration.
Watch the video below to learn more about Olli and its supercomputer brain:
As the testing phase progresses and more cities adopt Olli, it will be interesting to observe how this technology influences public transportation systems and urban planning. The success of Olli could pave the way for more widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles, ultimately transforming the way we think about and interact with public transportation.
via electrek
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