VISON Restort, Japan

Auve Tech’s driverless shuttle MiCa has been deployed to showcase the feasibility and efficiency of autonomous vehicles in a hotel complex.

Deployed:

26.05.2023

Route:

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Project Overview

At the Vison Hotel in Mie Prefecture, Japan, Auve Tech’s driverless shuttle MiCa has been deployed to showcase the feasibility and efficiency of autonomous vehicles in a hotel complex.

The semi-closed environment provided a controlled yet challenging grounds for the shuttle’s capabilities.

The Vison Hotel offers a unique accommodation experience, connecting guests with nature, both mentally and physically.

This project aimed to align with the hotel’s innovative and sustainable vision.

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Operating Environment

Route Features:

Route Distance: 1.2 km (0.7 mi)
Speed Limit: 20 km/h (12 mph)
Shuttle Maximum Speed: 12 km/h (7 mph)
Intersections: 5 main road intersections
Traffic Controls: No traffic lights, give-way points, or roundabouts
Unique Aspects: Driving on pedestrian roads

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Goals and Solutions

Goals:

Showcase Feasibility: Prove that driverless shuttles can operate efficiently in a hotel setting.
Engage Stakeholders: Demonstrate the technology to decision-makers, emphasizing its potential.
Ensure Safety: Address challenges like pedestrian navigation and inclines for smooth operation.

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Solutions:

Enhanced Safety Measures: Additional security guards and temporary road blockages were implemented to improve feasibility.
Controlled Environment: Operating in a semi-closed area minimized external risks, providing a safer demo experience.
Vehicle Adjustments: Continuous calibration and testing were conducted to adapt to specific challenges, such as curbs and inclines.

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Outcomes

Quantitative Outcomes

Passenger Transportation: Hundreds of visitors, stakeholders, and officials experienced the shuttle firsthand during the demo period.
Time Efficiency: Each round trip was completed within 12-15 minutes, ensuring a smooth and timely operation.
Route Accessibility: Successfully navigated a 1.2 km route with 5 intersections, adapting to pedestrian and parking lot challenges.

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Qualitative Outcomes

Stakeholder Engagement: Stakeholders observed the shuttle’s potential and shared positive but polite feedback.
Cultural Considerations: End-customers, accustomed to Japan’s polite culture, joked about challenges during the demo, reflecting a light-hearted reception.
Scalability Demonstrated: Despite route challenges, the shuttle effectively showcased its feasibility in similar settings.

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Lessons Learned

Adaptability is Key: Challenges like side rail detection and inclines underscore the need for continuous technology refinement.
Cultural Awareness Matters: Understanding customer expectations and cultural norms is essential for engagement.
Controlled Demonstrations Build Trust: A semi-closed environment allowed for a safer and more effective demo for driverless shuttle.

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Conclusion

The Vison Hotel project demonstrated the feasibility of driverless shuttles in semi-closed environments, addressing logistical and operational challenges while providing stakeholders with a glimpse of the potential for autonomous transport solutions. This demo sets the stage for further improvements and potential long-term implementations in similar environments.

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