1. Why do you see IAA MOBILITY as a relevant platform for public transportation?
"Mobility only works when we work together"—that’s the motto of the partnership between IAA and Deutsche Bahn, and it couldn’t be more true. A sustainable mobility system requires seamless integration of trains, buses, sharing services, and individual mobility options. Autonomous driving plays a key role in this ecosystem, particularly because it highlights the close technological and operational collaboration between the vehicle industry, tech providers, and public transit. Level 4 autonomous driving—with defined operating zones and centralized fleet management—is designed for public transport, not for private cars.
2. What are the most important technological developments for autonomous driving on public roads?
At the heart of autonomous driving is the software—the so-called AD stack (Autonomous Driving Stack). It processes sensor data, evaluates driving conditions, and makes decisions. Without this intelligent software, autonomous driving simply isn’t possible. But in the context of public transportation, there are additional technical challenges. Drivers do much more than just steer the vehicle—they assist passengers getting on and off, ensure safety, and provide customer service. These responsibilities also need to be addressed by technology or new operational concepts—such as onboard cameras and sensor systems, or communication modules that connect with control centers to build trust in autonomous vehicles.
3. How will you present the ULTIMO project at IAA MOBILITY?
We’re excited to showcase the ULTIMO project at the ZUKUNFT NAHVERKEHR experience area, located right in the heart of Munich’s Königsplatz as part of IAA Open Space. Visitors will have the opportunity to see our Level 4 autonomous vehicle in action—just like it’s already operating on the streets of Herford. At our joint booth with ZF Mobility Solutions, attendees can get up close to the vehicle and explore it in detail. We’ll also be on-site to answer any questions about the technology behind it or the broader goals of the project.
4. How do the public transport sector and manufacturers collaborate in the ULTIMO project?
ULTIMO brings together multiple manufacturers and suppliers working closely with the two transit operators and a regional public transport authority. The manufacturers tailor their solutions to meet real-world operational needs, ensuring that the technology can be smoothly integrated into existing transit systems. One of the project’s key goals is to establish cross-industry standards that make it much easier to deploy autonomous vehicles across different public transport fleets.
5. Where do you see the greatest potential for autonomous driving in public transportation?
Rolling out autonomous buses—both on fixed routes and on-demand—is one of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the public transport sector in the coming years. In particular, rural regions stand to benefit: with autonomous services, transit agencies can offer more frequent and flexible service to residents, regardless of driver availability or fixed operating hours.