The concept of driverless transportation is not new to Luxembourg. Autonomous shuttles were previously tested five years ago in Contern and the Pfaffenthal neighbourhood of Luxembourg City. The latest pilot project involves the “Ohmio” shuttle, which CFL is currently testing in Belval. Starting this autumn, the shuttle will operate routes from the main station to various destinations within Belval. For now, the shuttle is getting acclimated to its new environment.
Initially, the Ohmio minibus is restricted to a short test route. This route poses a significant challenge due to the old warehouses of the Reunited Steelworks of Burbach-Eich-Dudelange (ARBED) and the numerous steel constructions lining the narrow streets. These structures interfere with the GPS signal, which the Ohmio relies on to navigate. To address this, Robert Sykora, Director of Ohmio Europe, explains that a new system using LiDAR laser sensors instead of GPS is being developed based on the experience in Belval.
The purpose of these tests is to identify and resolve operational issues, thereby improving the technology. Ohmio has been in development since 2015 in New Zealand and Luxembourg is one of six European locations where it is being piloted. CFL has been conducting trials for a year, starting at the Bettembourg multimodal site, which posed fewer challenges compared to Belval.
In Belval, the testing conditions for the Ohmio shuttle are more challenging due to traffic lights, right-of-way traffic, poorly parked vans, and distracted pedestrians. The Ohmio must adapt to these factors, and it is proving to be a quick learner. Carlo Hansen, head of the CFL bus service, noted that initially, the Ohmio experienced issues in rainy conditions and would stop too abruptly. However, software updates have improved its performance in these areas. Belval was chosen for its difficult terrain and an overall speed limit of 30 km/h, allowing the Ohmio, which is limited to 25 km/h, to operate comfortably.
Current regulations do not permit fully autonomous driving. An operator with a driving licence must be on board to intervene if necessary. Technically, it will likely be several years before such shuttles can operate 100% autonomously and safely, according to Sykora. Through this project, CFL aims to gain initial experience with autonomous shuttles, which are expected to complement bus and train services in the future. Hansen emphasised that CFL intends to provide users with a seamless mobility solution between their office or home and the nearest station.
If the testing proceeds smoothly, the Ohmio shuttle will begin regular service in Belval this autumn.
Full report by RTL Télé (in Luxembourgish)
