A Minnesota-based transit manufacturer has just unveiled what it's billing as'North America's first heavy-duty automated transit bus.' The electric vehicle uses AutoDrive technology to construct a 360-degree 3-D model of its surroundings via LIDAR, radar, and cameras. New Flyer has already launched a pilot program with the Connecticut Department of Transportation, with a fleet of Xcelsior buses shuttling passengers along a dedicated transit route between New Britain and Hartfort. The companies call its new Xcelsior AV electric bus'North America's first fully operational heavy-duty automated transit bus.' According to New Flyer, the Xcelsior meets the requirements for a Level 4 automated vehicle.

St. Cloud, Minnesota, USA –New Flyer of America Inc., a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., the largest bus manufacturer in North America, recently announced an exclusive partnership with Robotic Research, LLC to advance autonomous bus technology through developing and deploying advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) in heavy-duty transit bus applications. Last week, New Flyer had more big news as the company announced a new contract from New York's Capital District Transportation Authority for four 40-foot, zero-emission, battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE heavy-duty transit buses. New Flyer invested more than two years assessing world-leading technology providers for sophisticated autonomous vehicle development. It ultimately selected Robotic Research based on the company's proven, industry-leading, artificial intelligence-based technology, coupled with its extensive experience delivering successful Level 5 autonomous vehicle applications for customers within the defense and intelligence community, including the U.S. Department of Defense. "New Flyer has a proud history of leading innovation, industry firsts, and technology advancement in public transportation," said New Flyer President Chris Stoddart, in a press release "Our ADAS vision supports the mobility needs of all Americans relying on public transit for safe and reliable transportation every day. Partnering with Robotic Research furthers our commitment to utilize the best expertise and technology available, while reaffirming our responsibility to work with regulators and stakeholders on standards and test protocols that integrate automated vehicles safely into the existing transportation system."