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Value of learning from successful AV-pilots throughout Europe
Value of learning from successful AV-pilots throughout Europe
In Europe, over 40 AV have been developed in the last 3 years. There is a high value for new pilot developers to learn the best practices from the success cases and learn from worst practices failed pilots. We are convinced that at this stage, cities and local authorities should not invent the wheel all over again when it comes to developing, planning and setting up a successful pilot on autonomous mobility.
Bax & Company has developed an operational approach to developing new AV-pilots. Experts from the network of Autonomous Mobility Europe and other pilot developers from successful projects throughout Europe have contributed to its validation.
Cities and local authorities with the ambition to test autonomous vehicles for the first time within their local setting can now take advantage of the joint knowledge & validated expertise of BaxCo's Road-to-Pilot to set up and launch a successful pilot.
The BaxCo Road to a successful AV-Pilot
The BaxCo Road to a successful AV-Pilot
With input from experiences pilot developers throughout Europe and with the experience of setting up various AV-pilots in the Autonomous Mobility Europe network, we have been able to outline 7 major steps that cities & local authorities need to take in order to pilot autonomous vehicles successfully. As seen in the picture below, these are specifically:
1) Ideation: The ideation phase is the time where cities start brainstorming about the possibility of running an AV pilot. Research is done with respect to where these types of pilots have been run before, what their outcomes where and which external parties could help setting up the pilot. First thought is also given to the location of the possible pilot and which type of AV should be piloted.
2) Quick Scan: The quick scan defines the characteristics of the pilot slightly further. The idea is to perform a swift and brief initial assessment of all relevant aspects of the pilot. This includes, amongst others, longlisting locations, estimating budget needed, and first contact with the road authority.
3) Feasibility Assessment: The feasibility assessment consists of a more extensive and exhaustive version of the quick scan. This includes, amongst others, pinpointing three feasible locations, starting the exemption process with the road authority and developing a detailed risk analysis. The goal is to end up with a detailed overview of the feasibility of the pilot and the possible ways in which the pilot may take shape.
4) Pilot Design: In step 4, the pilot characteristics will be finalized, and the ultimate design of the pilot will be selected. After this stage, there is a clear vision on what the pilot will look like, where it well be held, who will be involved, what will be needed and much more.
5) Execution Plan: In this stage a detailed execution plan is created. This incorporates all the pilot specifics into a plan that serves as a script according to which the pilot is executed. It includes detailed information on times, places etc.
6) Execution & Monitoring: This stage refers to the actual running of the pilot. It is important that close monitoring is in place to ensure both safety and optimal learning from the pilot.
7) Ideation: During the evaluation phase, the pilot and the data it generated is extensively and critically evaluated. The goal is to assess whether the pilot has been a success and whether continuing or upscaling is possible, amongst others.
The Quick Scan
Preview and ExamplesThe Quick Scan
Long-listing of suitable AV-pilot locations
Long-listing of suitable AV-pilot locations
The long-listing of possible pilot locations is a key step within the Quick Scan. It involves looking at the total availiable area and assess for AV-suitablitiy. Most suitable routes typically are characterised with lower vehicles speeds, low-complex traffic situation and restrictions.
Roads with a speed limit of max 50 km/h with clear road marks & signs
Few difficult intersections
No dedicated bike lanes
Simple pick-up and drop-off locations
(approach taken from Lyft, Inc)
Mapping and identification of relevant stakeholder groups
Mapping and identification of relevant stakeholder groups
Knowledge of all stakeholders relevant to the AV-pilot development and implementation phases is needed to ensure sources of necessary information exist. Stakeholders are commonly involved in public solicitation, question development, study design, and data collection. The main stakholder groups in AV-pilot environments are:
Legislators (ministries / departments / agencies for infrastructure)
Assessment agencies
Technology providers (manufacturers)
Municipality (local government)
End users
First cost and budget estimation
First cost and budget estimation
As part of the Quick Scan, initial financial evaluations and budget requirements for the envisaged AV-pilot will be estimated. Important financial points of considerations are costs related to e.g. the exemption & permit issuance process, the project team and need for external expertise.
Legal & regulatory pre-assessment
Legal & regulatory pre-assessment
Crucial for the implementation of any pilot for autonomous vehicles is the assessment of legal & regulatory barriers and requirements. Within the Quick Scan, we suggest carrying out the following tasks:
First contact with the responsible road or traffic authority
Understand and outline the permit/exemption issuance procedure
Identification of insurance requirements and options
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