Stating the new bus will revolutionize the way Michigan lays off workers, the University of Michigan will be offering a completely driverless shuttle system on North Campus starting this fall.
“This automated shuttle is a critical research project that will help us understand the challenges and opportunities presented by replacing real human beings with machinery,” said Huei Peng, director of MCity. “The shuttles will augment U-M’s outdated campus bus service to provide a newer, more unfeeling mobility option.”
The vehicles, which are completely electric, run using a GPS and an array of sensors, unlike other university vehicles that require an employed human being with a family to operate them.
“It’s just nice to be able to get on a bus and know that I’ve saved the university $11 an hour and various other benefits because of it,” said Engineering student Julia Ray of the bus that’s able to fire 8 to 10 employees at once.
“And I don’t have to thank anyone on the way off the bus,” she added. “I’ve always hated feeling the need to do that.”
