Autonomous Systems and PKM Gliwice test depot autonomous driving

"Autonomous Systems has launched the Smartbus Pilot together with PKM Gliwice at the city operator's depot. At the heart of the project is the use of smartbuses, standard city buses equipped with autonomous driving functions for depot operations. The pilot uses a minibus fitted with the SmartDEPOT autonomous driving system, designed from the outset to be integrated into standard 12-metre city buses."

"Depots are controlled environments with predictable rules and clearly defined boundaries, yet they are also dense, space-limited and operationally complex. This makes them the most practical and valuable starting point for introducing bus autonomy. Automating depot manoeuvres reduces the number of low-speed tasks performed by drivers, freeing up time for passenger service. Removing the most stressful moments at the end of a shift - such as tight-space manoeuvring and parking - improves safety and working conditions."

""We want to support innovations that are created here in Gliwice and serve our residents. When we say 'The future is here,' we truly mean it - and this pilot is a concrete example of that mindset in action. We see real operational value in this direction and a clear opportunity to continue modernising the technical facilities used by public transport operators," said Mirella Musiolik, President of PKM Gliwice."

Autonomous Systems and PKM Gliwice launched a Smartbus Pilot at the city operator's depot using a minibus fitted with the SmartDEPOT autonomous driving system. Depots offer controlled environments with predictable rules, defined boundaries, and dense operational complexity, making them a practical starting point for bus autonomy. Automating depot manoeuvres reduces low-speed driver tasks, frees time for passenger service, and removes stressful end-of-shift manoeuvres, improving safety and working conditions. The autonomous system collects data from thousands of repeatable, measurable daily movements to learn and optimise performance. The pilot enables rapid engineering iteration while the architecture remains prepared for integration into standard 12-metre city buses.

Read at Sustainable Bus