Beep, a Florida-based autonomous Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) provider and Local Motors, the world’s first and only digital vehicle manufacturer, today announced a strategic partnership intended to significantly expand the number of autonomous vehicle shuttles on both public and private roads.
This agreement will enable Beep and Local Motors to bring autonomous solutions to more people and enhance the rider experience through continued testing and safe deployments, according to the companies.
Under the agreement, Local Motors will provide Beep with autonomous, electric, 3D-printed shuttles for future deployments. Beep and Local Motors will also team up to advance and expand the operating domain of multi-passenger, autonomous vehicles in concert with their ongoing testing and information sharing program through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Local Motors’ Olli 2.0 is directed by Robotic Research’s AutoDrive autonomous kit, which has capabilities for implementation in form factors similar to large configurations such as people mover platforms. The software and hardware technology that enables Olli to drive in complex on-road transportation environments and other low-speed private campuses aligns with Beep’s core initiatives in geo-fenced, fixed route environments servicing the first-mile and last-mile of mobility.
Local Motors is the world’s first and only digital manufacturer, and its autonomous, electric, 3D-printed shuttle, Olli, is currently deployed at universities, business parks, and local communities throughout the U.S. and in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
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SOURCE: Merit Mile for Beep