ADASTEC Achieves World First with SAE Level-4 Full-Size Automated Bus Service
Rotterdam, Netherlands – March 4, 2024 – ADASTEC Corp. has once again established a global benchmark by winning the tender for implementing a full-size SAE Level-4 automated bus service with two Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK buses for Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTHA). This pioneering initiative marks the first-ever global application of Level-4 automated bus technology for airport transportation in mixed traffic, showcasing ADASTEC's leadership in advancing public transportation.
By the end of 2024, once approved by the Dutch road authority RDW, ADASTEC and Karsan will have enhanced the route from Meijersplein metro station to Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTHA) with two new automated busses. These services will provide passengers with a seamless, efficient, and eco-friendly travel option featuring ADASTEC's SAE Level-4 automated driving software platform, flowride.ai. Firstly, These will serve as a complement to the existing bus line 33. Each bus will be able to carry at least 15 passengers, including luggage, and will be wheelchair accessible. This development, supported by key transport operator RET and the collaborative efforts of RTHA, the Municipality of Rotterdam, DAM Shuttles, and the Metropolitan Region Rotterdam-The Hague (MRDH), establishes a new benchmark in Europe for automated public transportation to an airport. Together with the clients, ADASTEC and Karsan will now start the process to gain approval from the road authority.
Dr. Ali Peker, Chief Executive Officer of ADASTEC, stated, "Today, we are not just introducing a new service; we are setting a global precedent. This project at RTHA is a testament to our commitment to innovation and our vision for a future where automated buses enhance urban mobility. In partnership with Karsan and Applied Autonomy, ADASTEC has launched a pioneering service that, for the first time on a global scale, brings advanced automated bus technology to an airport setting, leading the way for future airport transport solutions. We extend our gratitude to all our partners, including RET, the Municipality of Rotterdam, RTHA, DAM Shuttles, and the Metropolitan Region Rotterdam-The Hague (MRDH), whose collaboration has been crucial in achieving this milestone. "
Stating that they play a leading role in transforming public transport in the world with the vision of being "One Step Ahead in the Future of Mobility", Karsan CEO Okan Baş said, "Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK is a model that has proven its success with awards and its services in the regions where it carries passengers. Owing to this project, we will be the first brand in the world to carry out airport transfers with an autonomous vehicle. In the Netherlands, we maintain our attack on autonomous electric public transport, which we have initiated with Norway. We, as Karsan, will continue to pioneer the transformation in more countries."
As Remco Derksen – Co-Founder and Director of DAM Shuttles - already explained on Dutch radio on March 1, 2024: “This is a very important next step in automated driving in pubic transport in Western Europe. We’re very content that Karsan and ADASTEC could meet our strict requirements and can provide a type approved bus. After almost 6 years of preparation, all parties are committed and eager to move forward.”
Ali İhsan Danışman, Chief Commercial Officer of ADASTEC, highlighted the project's significance, "This achievement goes beyond just a technological advance; it's a step towards a more sustainable and accessible future. Our collaboration with Karsan and Applied Autonomy, under the leadership of RET and DAM Shuttles, the municipality of Rotterdam, RTHA, and the Metropolitan Region Rotterdam-The Hague (MRDH), has been crucial in making this vision a reality. Together, we're not only improving the passenger experience but also contributing to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.”
As this service begins its operations, it marks a milestone not only for ADASTEC and its partners but also for the global transportation industry, setting new standards for innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
About ADASTEC Corp.
Established in 2018, ADASTEC Corp is a leading US-based provider of Level-4 automation solutions for full-size buses and commercial vehicles. Our flagship product, the SAE Level 4 automation platform flowride.ai, sets the standard in full-size bus automation with its advanced capabilities and has achieved key regulatory approvals, distinguishing ADASTEC as an industry pioneer. With a commitment to quality and innovation, ADASTEC holds prestigious ISO certifications and is headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan, with a global presence in Turkiye and The Netherlands.
ADASTEC is dedicated to transforming public transportation into a more sustainable and efficient system with a proven track record of international deployments and strong industry partnerships. Our expertise in delivering factory-fitted full-size buses and commercial vehicles automation and integration into public transport systems underscores our commitment to providing scalable, cost-effective, and safety-focused solutions to meet the evolving needs of modern cities.
For more information, please visit www.adastec.com.
About Karsan
Karsan, leaving 57 years behind in the Turkish automotive industry, has been manufacturing commercial vehicles for the world's leading brands and its own brand at modern facilities since its foundation. Karsan has been producing commercial vehicles since 1981, and its factory in Bursa Hasanağa has the capacity to produce about twenty thousand vehicles per year in a single shift. Hasanağa Factory, designed with the flexibility to produce all types of vehicles from passenger cars to heavy trucks, from minivans to buses, is 30 km away from Bursa city center and is located on an area of 203 thousand square meters total, 99 thousand square meters of which is indoors.
Positioned as the only independent multi-brand vehicle manufacturer in Turkiye for more than 56 years in the automotive industry, Karsan aims to develop derivative versions of the new and existing vehicles in order to extend its presence to all segments of passenger transportation, in accordance with its vision of being one step ahead in the future of mobility. Continuing its efforts to develop "innovative products and services", "from idea to market" in the public transportation segment, Karsan primarily aims to strengthen its Main Manufacturer/OEM business line.
Karsan manages the entire automotive value chain, from R&D to production, from marketing to sales and after-sales activities. Karsan produces JEST and ATAK models under its own brand. In addition, Karsan produces and sells 100% electric buses e-JEST and e-ATAK models within the framework of the cooperation with the global giant BMW. Karsan also produces 10-12-18 meter sized 100% electric e-ATA buses, and the 12 meter e-ATA Hydrogen. With the technology company ADASTEC, Karsan produces Level-4 driverless bus Autonomous e-ATAK model, which is the first driverless bus carrying passengers across Europe and America. Karsan also manufactures 10-12-18 meter buses for Menarinibus. As of 2022, Karsan has started production of Megane Sedan automobiles for the Renault brand. In addition to vehicle production, Karsan also provides industrial services at its factory located in the Organized Industrial Zone.
For more information, please visit www.karsan.com