Via demonstrates the future of autonomous vehicle ridesharing at CES
Via, Comet Mobility and Aurrigo debut PodZero AV mobility project
Via, the leader in dynamic, on-demand shared ride technology, is building the operating system for mobility and the future of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs), showcasing its smart solutions at CES 2019 alongside Aurrigo, Comet Mobility and an AI technology provider for AV demonstrations. AV technology is maturing, and Via is building and deploying solutions that will enable AVs to function in real-world situations as part of optimized, shared transportation systems. This is the first time Via’s AV technology and Aurrigo’s PodZero will be demonstrated together.
“We are delighted to showcase Via’s dynamic autonomous vehicle technology at CES with change-makers Aurrigo and Comet Mobility," said Oren Shoval, co-founder and CTO of Via. "If autonomous vehicles are to reach their full potential for providing low-cost, efficient rides, they need to be shared by multiple passengers. Via's sophisticated systems are able to power, in real-time, the movement of millions of connected autonomous shuttles and their passengers."
Via has provided more than 45 million dynamically-routed rides around the globe, and has applied this experience in shared mobility to AVs. CES attendees can experience Via’s AV technology by booking a PodZero ride using the Via app at the on-site visitor center. Via will seamlessly book and route the autonomous vehicles on-demand, provide customers with a vehicle location and ETA, and use its advanced Augmented Reality (AR) functionality for easy identification.
Here’s how it works, all through Via’s mobile app:
1. The rider will select the number of passengers, pick-up and drop-off locations
2. The app will provide the rider with a notification of the next Aurrigo PodZero available, and an accurate ETA
3. The rider will receive updated ETAs and vehicle location during the wait
4. The rider will easily identify the Aurrigo PodZero upon arrival using Via’s AR technology, which displays a Via icon above the PodZero within the app
During the journey, visitors will be routed around a 1,500 ft. “cityscape” track to New York, the UK or Las Vegas in the South Platinum Parking Lot, while interacting with voice-activated technology. In addition to rider-focused AV technology, Via will also demonstrate its AV driver technology, including key functionalities that intelligently select the fastest routes for each shuttle using real-time traffic data from multiple sources; direct shuttles to optimal pick-up locations to avoid detours; and accurately predict how demand patterns will unfold throughout the day and smartly position shuttles to anticipate that demand.
“Deploying an efficient fleet of AVs for shared rides is no easy feat, and requires products that reach far beyond simply the ability to drive autonomously. Via’s technology has to replace all of the functions of the traditional driver -- from helping riders board, to ensuring they have the right vehicle, to solving real-time issues in the vehicle, and acting as ‘eyes and ears’ on the road by reporting important changes like street closures,” said Shoval.
About Via:
Via is re-engineering public transit, from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network. Via’s mobile app connects multiple passengers who are headed the same way, allowing riders to seamlessly share a premium vehicle. First launched in New York City in September 2013, the Via platform currently operates in the United States, and in Europe through its joint venture with Mercedes-Benz Vans, ViaVan. Via’s technology is also deployed worldwide through partner projects with public transportation agencies, private transit operators, taxi fleets, private companies, and universities, seamlessly integrating with public transit infrastructure to provide the most cutting edge on-demand mobility innovation.