DLR’s modular U-Shift concept for an autonomous last mile

German Aerospace Center DLR (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfarth) is keeping its ‘feet’ on the ground at IAA Transport in Hanover these days, showing the result of its research into autonomous last-mile delivery, the modular U-Shift concept.

It’s basically a U-shaped platform or ‘drive board,’ and the capsules are designed for various purposes, such as passenger or goods transport. The cargo capsule allows for loading and unloading at ground level and can accommodate Euro pallets or mesh trolleys up to two tonnes.

The idea is to maximize economic efficiency and have the drive board operational around the clock whenever possible. The base unit houses all the sophisticated technical components, such as cameras, sensors, and radars, as well as all systems required for autonomous, electric driving without the need for a driver.

Cost-effective superstructure

The drive board has two in-wheel electric motors in the rear, and the battery is positioned in the front, above the front axle, to be used as a counterweight for the removable capsules that can be loaded. That goes pretty easy, as the base unit maneuvers itself under the capsule and lifts it to drive.

The superstructure and the removable capsules allow for all kinds of applications. They are only equipped with the most necessary technical features and can be produced cost-effectively. As a last-mile cargo carrier, it can store pallets or trolleys up to two tonnes and would be ideally suited for silent, autonomous night delivery.

As a people mover or shuttle bus, it already proved its efficiency last year at BUGA 23, the German National Garden Show in Mannheim. Ten thousand visitors participated in autonomous test drives around the Buga site as part of the 178-day-long research initiative.

Driving 2,800 autonomous test kilometers

The main attraction was the presentation of two prototypes of the innovative U-Shift vehicle concept. The ‘U-Shift 4’ prototype, specially built for this application, covered 2,800 kilometers in total during this event.

The passenger module easily seats ten to twelve people and has a low entry floor in the back for easy access, even with a wheelchair. The idea is to operate it as an ‘on-demand’ bell bus in city environments or on regular public transport lines.

DLR says the autonomous technology used is much more closely linked to the infrastructure than today’s Cooperative Automated Driving (CAD) approaches. “U-Shift takes automation to the next level – Managed Automated Driving (MAD) is crucial.” This means protection via infrastructure sensors, management via a traffic control center, and optimized use of the road infrastructure.

Challenges in communication

“Only approximately 0.1 percent of the more than 80,000 conversations featured negative feedback,” U-Shift Project Manager Marco Münster said at that time. It turned out there is still work to be done to have the ‘machine’ communicate with people to gain their trust.

“We explored the current capabilities and limitations of this type of passenger shuttle service and identified the necessary adjustments for its successful implementation,” explained Münster. “Significant research is still required to address how the autonomous vehicle communicates with users, particularly during boarding and disembarking.”

Luring people away from their car

This is especially true when multiple languages are needed, like in popular tourist destinations. The researchers also say it can pose difficulties for individuals with limited mobility or impaired vision.

An interesting finding from the feedback received at BUGA was the importance of a high-quality, appealing vehicle interior in drawing people away from their cars and generating enthusiasm about utilizing local transport shuttle services.