Tata Motors has begun trials for driverless buses at its Pune campus, where a fullfledged bus has been plying on a fixed route, without any human intervention, for two months. Sensors have been placed at simulated bus stops, and the bus slows as it approaches them. It stops to allow passengers to board and alight and then continues its journey.
Tata Motors has the prototype ready with several sensors such as optical sensors, proximity sensors, and even radar. Currently the buses run at less than 10kmph within the campus. However, as the platform stabilises, the company said it would test them at higher speeds and more realistic road conditions.
