Tartu's Self-Driving Culture Bus Project Showcased at the World’s Largest Smart City Expo
Tartu City Government Press Release
/ From the end of June until the end of October, a self-driving culture bus traveled between the Tartu City Museum and the Estonian National Museum. Now, this innovative project is being showcased at the international Smart City Expo in Barcelona.
The Smart City Expo, taking place from November 5 to 7 this year, is one of the world’s leading events in the smart city sector, bringing together leaders and experts from hundreds of cities, companies, research centers, and NGOs.
One of the culture bus project’s partners, the U.S.-based company Avanti R&D, presented the AI-powered computer vision and audio recognition technologies developed in the Tartu pilot project at the smart city exhibition. These technologies enhance passenger safety and improve the user experience in autonomous vehicles. According to Mike Ramirez, Vice President of Avanti R&D, the project garnered significant interest from participants, as it not only showcased technology but also shared valuable insights from its real-world application in Tartu.
During the autonomous bus project, sensors were installed in the city’s infrastructure to transmit real-time data about approaching cyclists and pedestrians at intersections with limited visibility, helping to ensure safe movement. The project tested various technologies and solutions, including those essential for smooth vehicle operation, as well as technologies that enhanced passenger safety and provided additional information.
“Tartu doesn’t have to be the world’s leading city in developing future technologies alone. For a city as small as ours on a global scale, that would be impossible. However, our compact size is one of our greatest strengths, as it gives us the drive and courage to constantly test transformative technologies, involving residents, entrepreneurs, and scientists,” said Roomer Tarajev, Business Development Manager at Tartu City Government. “There is a remarkable spirit of collaboration and co-creation in Tartu that sets us apart from many other places globally, and this spirit enables us to continuously establish partnerships crucial for our region. Through these, we provide invaluable experience to our local researchers and entrepreneurs.”
The project highlighted the importance of testing modern technologies in real-world environments, as this approach not only accelerates development but also enables the public to engage directly with future innovations and provide feedback. Initiatives like this are vital for advancing autonomous technologies and ensuring they are ready for everyday use.
Last changed 07.11.2024
