Navya Introduces First Fully Autonomous Taxi In North America

In a decisive move toward creating smart cities, the totally electric-powered AUTONOM CAB provides an intelligent transport service for private or shared trips in urban centers. The cab was designed from the outset to be autonomous, just like all the vehicles in the AUTONOM range, meaning that there is no cockpit, steering wheel or pedals. Able to carry up to six passengers, AUTONOM CAB is a fluid, continuous and effective transportation solution. The AUTONOM CAB is capable of speeds up to 55 mph, but will average closer to 30 mph as it travels in urban areas to conform with local speed limits.

Available as either a private or shared service, AUTONOM CAB places an emphasis on well-being and comfort and will offer a wide range of services benefiting from fully connected technology to restore freedom of mobility.  Thanks to a dedicated smartphone application, users can order an AUTONOM CAB with a simple click, and open and close the vehicle's door to start it up.

"With the introduction of vehicles such as NAVYA's AUTONOM CAB we hope to kick start a sea change in the available options for urban mobility in cities across North America and beyond. Autonomous, personalized and shared, this unique mobility solution answers the major challenges urban populations face travelling in and around cities." said NAVYA CEO Christophe Sapet. "Since the Las Vegas Innovation District is where we made the North American debut of our AUTONOM SHUTTLE on public roads during CES last year, we thought it was the ideal location to showcase our newest vehicle in partnership with our operations partner Keolis" Sapet added.

"Keolis is focused on providing fluid, efficient and integrated transportation options to meet the evolving needs of cities and other transit networks", said Keolis North America CEO Clement Michel. "We're pleased to be working with NAVYA to introduce a new mode of autonomous transportation with the AUTONOM's. Autonom Shuttles and Cab give us additional options to improve transportation systems Keolis operates for cities around the world."

The Very Best Technology
With NAVYA's research and development expertise recognized around the world, AUTONOM CAB benefits from the most sophisticated multi-sensor technology on the market with no fewer than 10 Lidar sensors, 6 cameras, 4 radars, 2 GNSS antennae and 1 inertial measurement unit (IMU). These sensors provide at least a triple redundancy across all functions, guaranteeing exceptional reliability. The on-board computer is capable of constantly merging data received by the sensor architecture. AUTONOM CAB's intelligence is based on high performance steering and detection systems that combine a number of cutting-edge technologies. Which means AUTONOM CAB can move around efficiently and safely, making the most appropriate decisions instantly - and all without a driver.

Ultra-Precise Mapping
Navigating open roads requires major mapping work and route optimization. In order to optimize navigation, NAVYA created its own mapping tool that generates the most comprehensive and precise cartography. NAVYA's vehicles operate around the world on a daily basis, which has  provided the real-world experience necessary to enable its teams to continue perfecting and refining its performance.

Communicative and Responsive Design
Recognizable by its rounded contours, AUTONOM CAB's silhouette is both modern and robust. Outside, AUTONOM CAB has a colored light band that communicates with its passengers as well as pedestrians. Inside, the glass compartment provides users with a panoramic view of the city. Thanks to a dedicated smartphone application, users can order an AUTONOM CAB with a simple click, and open and close the vehicle's door to start it up.

User Experience
With integrated elements such as the connected touch screen from partner Ingenico Group, which enables frictionless payment and a range of services for passengers of the AUTONOM CAB, to the new benchmark standard Acorus in flexible wheels and tires from Michelin and Maxion Wheels to add unparalleled safety and comfort on imperfect roads, the AUTONOM CAB strives to meet and exceed user expectations in every way.

Operation Partnerships
NAVYA already has various partnership agreements with transport specialists, notably with KEOLIS in Europe and the United States and with RAC in Australia. These partnerships will enable NAVYA to roll out fleets of AUTONOMS that will operate on the open road in city centers. Keolis is already operating the AUTONOM SHUTTLE in the U.S. and France with upcoming SHUTTLE service planned for Australia. Keolis has also run successful pilots with NAVYA in the UK, Denmark, and Canada.

At the forefront of research and development and drawing on its production capacity in the USA and in France, NAVYA is in a position to deploy the AUTONOM CAB quickly. Current plans are for the AUTONOM CAB to begin service in North America in the second half of 2018.

ABOUT NAVYA
NAVYA, created in 2014, is a French company and leading name in the autonomous vehicle market. October 2016 saw NAVYA secure a 30 million euro raise in capital together with its original shareholder, investment fund Robolution Capital, Cap Decisif Management with the FRCI Fund (Fonds Régional de Co-investissement de la Région Ile de France), holding company GRAVITATION, French groups VALEO and KEOLIS. NAVYA benefits from major advances in technology in the driverless, electric vehicle sector thanks to a highly-qualified R&D team. Christophe Sapet, its CEO, is supported by a team of 180 people divided up between Saline (Michigan, USA), Paris and Lyon (France) and For more information visit http://navya.tech/

ABOUT KEOLIS
Keolis is a global leader in managing passenger transportation systems throughout the world, transporting 3 billion passengers a year via trains, buses, autonomous shuttles  and taxis. Learn more about how Keolis and its 60,000 employees are always "Thinking like a Passenger" at www.keolisnorthamerica.com

SOURCE Keolis