Background of the demonstration experiment

In Ureshino City, at an autonomous driving test drive event held on city-owned land in 2022, approximately 90% of participants expressed a desire to continue riding in the future, and the city is working toward the social implementation of autonomous driving. Specific consideration is required.

In fiscal 2023, we will conduct demonstration experiments on public roads (trial runs and test drive sessions) assuming social implementation to verify operational issues and social acceptability, as well as revitalize inns and shopping streets, and contribute to town development. We are also considering the effects it will have.

Details of the demonstration experiment

The demonstration experiment (test drive experience session) was conducted for local residents and tourists on the approximately 2.2 km one-way section between Ureshino Onsen Station and Ureshino Onsen Bus Center.

This demonstration experiment will be conducted mainly by Ureshino City, with Fukuyama Consultants Co., Ltd., Nippon Koei Co., Ltd., and KCS Co., Ltd. responsible for the preparation, operation, and effectiveness verification of the demonstration experiment. In response, Macnica provided support for the implementation and operation of autonomous driving EV buses, as well as related systems.

<Summary>
Date: September 25, 2023 (Monday) - October 9, 2023 (Monday)
Time: 10:25-16:05 (10 flights a day)
Operation section: ① Ureshino Onsen Station - Ureshino Onsen Bus Center ② Ureshino Onsen Bus Center - Ureshino Onsen Station (approximately 2.2km one way)
Vehicle: Gama (formerly NAVYA) ARMA (autonomous driving EV bus)
Capacity: 8 people (excluding safety driver and security personnel)
Fares: Free

The autonomous driving vehicle used was​ ​the autonomous driving shuttle bus "ARMA" manufactured by Gama (formerly NAVYA).

ARMA is an EV specification (electric vehicle) with a maximum speed of 18km/h. It does not have a steering wheel, accelerator, or brake.

autonomous driving EV bus “ARMA”

This time, the operation was carried out with a safety driver and security personnel, but in anticipation of unmanned operation in the future, we will use everfleet (remote mobility management), in which a remote operator manages the operation of autonomous driving EV buses. system) was operated on a trial basis.

The vehicle data (vehicle speed, rotation speed, steering angle,etc.) and sensor data (location information, camera images, etc.) of the autonomous driving EV bus are integrated and transmitted via the cloud to a remote control system installed in the conference room of a building attracting companies in Ureshino City. It was visualized on the display in the monitoring room.

By checking the operating status of the autonomous driving EV bus in real time from a remote location, we were able to operate it safely and securely.

Remote monitoring room in the Ureshino City Business Attraction Building

Visualization of operation status by remote monitoring

Demonstration experiment

Demonstration experiment results

During the 15-day demonstration experiment (test drive session), a total of 860 people (participant breakdown: 51% from Ureshino City, 49% from outside Ureshino City) rode the vehicle.

Additionally, by conducting questionnaire surveys and compiling operational data, we were able to verify and evaluate (1) safety in terms of vehicle behavior, (2) social acceptance and requests for routes, etc., and (3) impact on inns and shops.

① Safety from the perspective of vehicle behavior

The average autonomous driving rate for all sections was approximately 80%. Areas where the driver had to switch to manual operation due to some kind of failure were identified as areas with safety and comfort issues, and were evaluated based on autonomous driving rate for each section. autonomous driving rate (approximately 70%) in the shopping district sections (sections 4 and 5) was lower than in other sections, and it was found that "vehicles parked on the road" were a major factor in reducing the autonomous driving rate.

② Requests for social acceptability and routes, etc.

Many of the expectations for autonomous driving EV buses are based on ``ease of movement in central areas,'' and it was confirmed that there is a strong need for mobility that runs through shopping streets, especially from inn and shop owners. There were many requests for service areas not only within the city, but also between the city and the suburbs.

Regarding the location of the bus stop, many respondents requested tourist facilities and inns in addition to Ureshino Onsen Station and Ureshino Onsen Bus Center, and it became clear that information about sightseeing, shops, restaurants, and events was required to be provided on the bus. I did.

It was also revealed that half of the respondents were willing to pay more than the existing bus fare for a autonomous driving EV bus.

③ Impact on inns and shops

According to a survey of inns and shops, it was confirmed that the introduction of autonomous driving EV buses in the central city area has high expectations for inns and shop owners to increase profits and make the town more lively.

About the future

Based on the results of this demonstration experiment, Macnica will continue to work with Ureshino City and related companies to provide support for the social implementation of autonomous driving services in Ureshino City.

Inquiry

Macnica supports the practical application of autonomous driving in various regions and facilities. If you have any questions or concerns regarding autonomous driving, please feel free to contact us below.