Aisin’s Robot Bus Unveils at 2020 CES

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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3rd January 2020

Auto Tier 1, Aisin, will unveil its autonomous public transport ‘bus’ concept aiming to showcase its expertise in connectivity, electrification and automation.

The unveil of “i-mobility TYPE-C20” planned for the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the company’s second concept and is an automated, ride-sharing vehicle designed for future community use. It has to be said the vehicle is not unlike the concept driverless ‘pod’ previously developed by Toyota.

Aisin’s effort features an in-cabin monitoring system combined with location data to provide transportation aligned to specific user needs and destination. The system also connects with external information resources, meaning onscreen graphics can change and respond to rider interest and local attractions.

The driverless vehicle is intended for short destinations, such as visits to the local shopping mall. By using a number of sensors, i-mobility TYPE-C20 is claimed to detect obstacles outside the vehicle to ensure safety. A slim electric ramp extends for convenient boarding access for wheelchairs and strollers. Its BEV powertrain employs Aisin’s eAxle; regenerative brake system; electric ramp and lower, rail-free power sliding doors; and heat management and optimal thermal control.

The company says it will introduce services that use information collected from its range of core, functional vehicle products. Examples of services include detecting road surface conditions by using location information platforms (such as the logistics support system based on car navigation technology) and actuator information technology.

Aisin will also show its ILY-Ai, a multi-functional, electric intelligent personal mobility vehicle which it claims is capable of human image recognition while its robotic detection system should prevent it from colliding with people or objects. With route search based on vehicle navigation technology, ILY-Ai could support a user’s travel in a shopping scenario with AI.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_