UrbANT
Urban, Automated, User-Oriented Transport Platform
In cities, many journeys can be easily made by bicycle, on foot, or by public transportation. However, if large or heavy items need to be transported, this requires an appropriate means of transportation. As part of the UrbANT project, an electric micromobile (referred to as UrbANT from this point onwards) is being developed together with users in order to provide an alternative to cars in downtown areas. Not only will the vehicle allow pedestrians to safely and comfortably transport large and heavy goods, it will also be able to autonomously head out to its next assignment or autonomously perform last mile deliveries.
Involving potential users early on in the project makes it possible to identify needs and wants regarding the new mobility concept in urban scenarios. In addition, iterative user studies over the course of the project will allow for the validation of intermediate findings in the areas of ergonomics, automation, and user interaction.
Overall, the result of UrbANT is a short-distance transportation system that drives on sidewalks, that can be used in non-accessible environments, and that can be driven either by users or autonomously. It interacts with users as well as passers-by. This will make it possible to transport goods in downtown areas with zero emissions in the future.
Involved institutions are the German Institute for Automotive Engineering (ika), the German Institute for Entrepreneurial Cybernetics (IfU), and the Chair of Individual and Technology (iTec).