A world first, or at least a French one, is currently taking place on theRoissy-Charles de Gaulle airport with the launch of two autonomous shuttles and 100% electric shuttles linking the RER station at Roissypôlethe Maison de l'Environnement and ADP headquarters. An intermediate stop also serves the Citizen M hotel and the company's offices. Air France-KLM.
The curvaceous blue vehicles with their white stripes, which look like small automatic metro cabs, can carry up to fifteen people including 11 based on this 700-metre dedicated course completed in 3 minutes. The speed does not exceed 25 km/h. Operated by Keolisa subsidiary of the SNCF, the shuttles run free of charge at peak times: 7.30am-9.30am, 12.30pm-2.30pm and 5pm-7pm. Outside these times, passengers can use the vehicles until 8pm by downloading a dedicated application and by flashing a QR code displayed on the arrival and departure terminals.
As French legislation does not currently allow fully autonomous operation, these shuttles benefit from the presence of a stagehand who can, if necessary, take over the controls via a small console equipped with a joystick. " Eventually, there will no longer be an on-board operator, but for the time being this reassures passengers and allows us to introduce them to this innovative technology." explains Christophe Sapet, Chairman of Navyathe Lyon-based company that manufactures these autonomous, shared, electric vehicles.
"The aim of this experiment is to study this new type of mobility in a real-life situation and in complete safety, as the shuttles interact with the traffic lights to allow them to cross the Rue de Rome, one of the Roissypôle's busiest roads," he adds.
creating a new generation of connected airports
The test, conducted in partnership with ADP, is scheduled to last for three months. 6 months ahead of future developments at airports managed by the airport group. " Autonomous transport services will play a major role in meeting our ambition to create a new generation of connected airports. With this first trial, the ADP Group is paving the way for the development of this technology across our network of airports in France and abroad. "confirms Edward Arkwright, Executive Director of the ADP Group.
Christophe Sapet added: " There are many possible uses for autonomous vehicles at an airport. Obviously, we can envisage the transport of passengers between terminals or different areas such as runways or car parks. But they can also be used to transport crews, cleaning staff, catering staff, baggage, freight, etc. to the aircraft." .
