IoT Innovations Boost Use of Self-Driving Buses

Self-driving buses bring an environmentally friendly transportation option to smart cities. Equipped with artificial intelligence and IoT technologies, these vehicles are ready to transform subway transportation.
With zero tailpipe emissions, electric vehicles are better for the environment. The EPA claims that EVs emit less greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline-powered vehicles over their entire life cycle, even after taking into account manufacturing, charging, and driving.
City buses, while better than cars, are still a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Cities around the world are rolling out electric vehicles as part of their public transport plans in an effort to curb their carbon footprint. In many cases, these EVs are self-driving and rely on IoT technology to function.
Internet of things support
An example comes from EasyMile and 7StarLake. The two companies developed the EZ10 autonomous bus, which operates at 200 locations in 30 countries around the world, including 16 U.S. locations. This 12-seat vehicle includes a built-in automatic wheelchair ramp. They have a top speed of 15 mph and can operate in mixed driving conditions of rain, snow and fog.
The 13-foot self-driving car combines radar, lidar, GPS, odometry and artificial intelligence to drive on a predetermined route. These autonomous buses are equipped with artificial intelligence cameras that can observe the situation around the bus in 360 degrees. Computer vision recognizes signage and detects objects in front of or around the vehicle; built-in 2D and 3D cameras — on buses and bus stops — help determine if passengers are waiting.
Core computing
At the heart of the EZ10 autonomous bus are 7StarLake's CPT320 computers, powered by Intel® Core™ processors, which process data for all aspects of autonomous driving. They analyze sensor data to determine positioning, navigation, energy and speed, and communicate with central transportation hubs. 7StarLake's SR10A computer with Intel® Core™ processor supports in-bus entertainment.
The system uses artificial intelligence and computer vision to recognize driving lines, determine when to speed up or slow down, and monitor safety systems. Additionally, integrated sensors allow the EZ10 to avoid obstacles.
Real-time data processing enables self-driving buses to interact with other vehicles and overtake or give way if necessary. AI and IoT technologies enable vehicle-to-vehicle or vehicle-to-infrastructure communications, so municipalities can build smart corridors and provide mobility-as-a-service to their residents.
Fleet management
Each EZ10 self-driving bus is equipped with EZFleet, EasyMile's fleet management system, which passes data to the supervision center. The system monitors each vehicle's location, assigned route and destination, and estimated time of arrival in real time. It can dynamically adjust traffic according to traffic flow.
EZFleet also supports on-demand travel. Passengers request service through an app, and EZFleet decides which shuttle and route are best suited to carry them. The management system can also reroute travel to pick up more passengers, or dispatch additional vehicles as passenger numbers increase, while maintaining service levels.
EasyMile's software operates independently of the vehicle, enabling other device manufacturers to integrate into their self-driving vehicles. That's great news, as the autonomous vehicle market is expected to reach $4 billion by 2028.
Self-driving buses are not only greener, but generally safer as well. Self-driving cars won't be distracted by noise or smartphones, and won't get tired. Future smart cities will include autonomous buses to make public transport cleaner, greener and safer.