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Those looking for their first taste of autonomous motoring should pop along to Dublin Docklands on September 21st and 22nd, and try out the EX10 autonomous bus. It's part of the Smart Docklands project, organised by Dublin City Council and 'smart buildings' engineering company Civic Group.
The robot bus is called the Easymile EZ10, and it can carry up to 15 people at a time, and has a built-in ramp for those with mobility issues. Similar vehicles already operate at locations in the US, Holland, China and Estonia, and its makers claim that its combination of sensors and software mean that it doesn't need any improved or altered road infrastructure to operate.
The EZ10 will be running on a one-kilometre route, from the 3 Arena to the Convention Centre, with two stopping points between. There will be an opportunity to take a free trip on the shuttle from 2pm to 5pm on Friday September 21st and 11am to 5pm on Saturday September 22nd. It's all part of the 'Future Mobility Showcase' which is intended to promote the use of shared bikes and cars, electric bikes, and electric scooters as solutions to urban mobility.
"Dublin City Council through its 'Smart City' programme and the 'Smart Docklands' testbed district is encouraging a debate on the future of transport and mobility in the city. With the rapid pace of technology change there is a wide range of innovative sustainable transport opportunities. The traditional models of commuting will expand to incorporate a whole range of shared transport options including the use of shared bikes, electric scooters, car clubs and new on demand autonomous shuttle services such as the EasyMile shuttle. This is likely to be especially the case in relation to the last mile of journeys. We are delighted to give local residents and Dubliners the opportunity to see and test the future of city transport" said Owen Keegan, Chief Executive, Dublin City Council.
Neil Cunningham, CEO of Civic Group said: "We are delighted to partner with Dublin City Council to bring the EZ10 to Dublin so everyone can experience this innovative solution to the challenge of providing world class public transport in a growing city. Futurists predict that by 2025 to 2030, autonomous vehicles will be sufficiently convenient and affordable to displace most human operated vehicles, providing independent mobility to non-drivers, reducing the stress and tedium of driving, and be a solution for congestion, accident and pollution problems."