Rotterdam Airport launches autonomous shuttle service

The Autonomous e-Atak successfully passed operational and functional safety tests, earning full approval from RDW (Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer), one of Europe’s leading authorities. As a result, it claims to officially become Europe’s first RDW-approved full-size SAE Level-4 autonomous bus. “This approval not only reflects the advanced stage of our technology but also demonstrates that we provide solutions meeting international safety standards,” said Bas.

Adastec CEO Dr Ali Ufuk Peker said: “Becoming the first to secure RDW approval in the Netherlands for a full-size SAE Level-4 automated bus is a remarkable achievement, and even more so as this marks Europe’s first deployment of a full-size automated bus carrying passengers in an airport landside environment.

“This initiative is not only Karsan’s first autonomous bus deployment in the Netherlands but also marks a major milestone in global airport passenger transportation”

“Over the years, together with Karsan, we have delivered groundbreaking projects in multiple countries, demonstrating how automated public transportation can move from vision to everyday service. This milestone highlights what can be accomplished when strong collaboration and advanced technology come together to transform mobility.”

Karsan’s Autonomous e-Atak is equipped with numerous lidar sensors positioned at various points around the vehicle. Additionally, it features advanced radar technology at the front, high-resolution image processing through RGB cameras, and thermal cameras for enhanced environmental safety.

These technologies come together to enable Level-4 autonomous driving on a planned route. The vehicle can reach speeds of up to 40km/h in autonomous mode. Karsan said it performs all the functions of a bus driver autonomously, including approaching stops along its route, managing passenger boarding and alighting, and handling navigation through intersections, crossings, and traffic lights, without a driver on board.