The recently announced collaboration between Vicinity Motor Corporation and automated driving software platform provider Adastec is already producing results. The two companies have entered an agreement to deploy an SAE Level 4 automated electric bus, the Vicinity Autonomous Lightning EV, at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.
The vehicle deployment will take place at the campus in mid-2024, showcasing Vicinity’s next-generation electric transit bus outfitted with Adastec’s automated transportation technology. The deployment is part of the Buffalo All Access: In and Around BNMC Project, a new initiative funded by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) under the ITS4US program.
“We are very excited to be working with Adastec and Vicinity Motor Corporation on what we view as a truly transformative project that aims to improve mobility for all ages and abilities in our region,” said Adel W Sadek, professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Buffalo and lead of the UB team overseeing the development of the self-driving automated bus component of the ITS4US Buffalo All Access project.
“The electric, self-driving automated bus that Adastec proposed to deploy in Buffalo includes an onboard attendant and other features to enhance accessibility and overall trip experience for travelers with disabilities. In addition, Adastec’s prior experience with operating self-driving automated buses in Michigan and Norway gives us confidence that their vehicle will be better equipped to handle Buffalo’s harsh winter conditions.”
Adastec’s proprietary software platform, Flowride.ai, will serve as the technological backbone of the automated bus solution. The company says its platform integrates advanced sensor technology and artificial intelligence to enable automated transportation to navigate safely and efficiently through urban environments. The vehicles will operate within a smart mobility ecosystem, using technologies such as vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication.
“Winning the ITS4US Project at the University at Buffalo will bring us closer to our goal of deploying accessible, modern, and clean transportation to underserved communities,” said Ali Peker, CEO of Adastec. “We believe that this project, in partnership with Vicinity, will serve as a scalable example throughout the nation.”
Vicinity’s partnership with Adastec enables it to find new applications for its all-electric Vicinity Lightning bus as it continues to find opportunities to power the next generation of public transportation systems.
“We are grateful to Adastec and the University of Buffalo for their confidence in our product offering and commitment to deploy this exciting new automated public transit solution,” said William Trainer, founder and CEO of Vicinity.