USF and Coast Autonomous demonstrate their first autonomous vehicle in Florida

In collaboration with Coast Autonomous, researchers at the University of South Florida (USF) have begun their first ever autonomous vehicle trial featuring a COAST P-1 Shuttle.

The P-1 Shuttle is being demonstrated on the USF Tampa campus and is providing USF employees and students a free, driverless ride. The shuttle is driving itself along the walkway between the Library and the Campus Recreation Centre.

Led by the Centre for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at USF, this trial is the first of its kind on campus, leveraging a low-speed autonomous vehicle that is ideal for first and last mile transportation and can help increase pedestrianism and reduce CO² emissions.

The trial will last for one week, giving researchers the opportunity to gauge people's reactions and attitudes towards these vehicles and showcasing how driverless vehicles can interact with pedestrians, cyclists and skateboarders in a very busy campus environment.

“The future of urban mobility will be electric, shared and a mix of modes including autonomous vehicles,” said Dr. Pei-Sung Lin of the Centre for Urban Transportation Research. “We believe that new modes such as self-driving shuttles will form a key part of the next generation of urban transportation. Seamless integration between existing and new modes of transportation will likely make for better urban environments.”

The Coast P-1 Shuttle is a bi-directional, self-driving vehicle that is designed to operate in pedestrian areas or in mixed traffic (up to 25 mph). The P-1 Shuttle can travel at higher speeds on a dedicated lane. Electric wheel hub motors provide a smooth ride and allow for a larger floor plan within the vehicle because there are no axles.

The shuttle comfortably accommodates 8 seated and 4 standing, but with fewer seats could carry up to 20 passengers. Additionally, the P-1 chassis can be configured as a delivery vehicle. The vehicle is completely driverless and has no pedals or steering wheel. It can operate on a network of predefined routes or be called on demand via a smartphone app, in which case the best route would be determined by Coast's mapping software.

“We are very grateful for the opportunity to work with CUTR and USF to showcase our P-1 Shuttle on campus. It is great to see the overwhelmingly positive reaction from the students,” stated Pierre Lefevre, Coast CTO. “It is proving to be a great demonstration and I am very happy with the way the P-1 Shuttle is operating in this complex environment with so many pedestrians, bicycles and skateboards. Our technology will also work in mixed traffic and on segregated lanes which will all form part of a seamless transportation experience that can increase walkability and improve urban and campus life.”