ULTIMO - Advancing Sustainable User-centric Mobility with Automated Vehicles

Project Information

ULTIMO

Grant agreement ID: 101077587

DOI

10.3030/101077587

EC signature date 30 August 2022

Start date 1 October 2022

End date 30 September 2026

Funded under

• Climate, Energy and Mobility

Total cost

€ 37 601 196,25

EU contribution

€ 24 198 270,00

Coordinated by

RBO REGIONALBUS OSTBAYERN GMBH
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ULTIMO (ULTIMO - Advancing Sustainable User-centric Mobility with Automated Vehicles)

Reporting period: 2022-10-01 to 2024-03-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The ULTIMO project focuses on creating sustainable, user-friendly public transport using Level 4 Automated Vehicles (AVs). It aims to integrate AVs into urban transport systems, addressing issues such as urbanization, pollution, and the need for inclusivity. The project also promotes the use of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) and Logistics-as-a-Service (LaaS).

Key challenges include ensuring the economic viability of AV services, their integration into public transport, passenger safety, environmental sustainability, and social inclusivity.

ULTIMO’s impact pathway includes large-scale demonstrations in three cities, creating cross-sector business models for economic sustainability, developing standardized APIs for scalability, and reducing traffic congestion and emissions. The project aligns with EU strategic objectives, such as the Green Deal, by developing automated systems that reduce emissions and foster social inclusion.

Expected impacts include reductions in CO2 emissions, enhanced mobility and accessibility, economic opportunities from new business models, and setting a benchmark for AV integration into public transport. ULTIMO lays the foundation for a sustainable and inclusive future in urban transport.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

1. Deployment of Automated Vehicles (AVs): ULTIMO has prepared for large-scale Level 4 AV deployment in three European sites. Vehicle procurement, site selection, and integration of modular open architecture have been completed, ensuring fleet management and AI testing are underway.
- Key Achievement: Major advancements in vehicle capabilities and fleet orchestration.

2. Development of Open-Source APIs: ULTIMO is creating APIs for AV integration into Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) and Logistics-as-a-Service (LaaS), focusing on standardization to ensure cross-manufacturer compatibility.
- Key Achievement: Progress in API and HD map standardization supports seamless AV integration.

3. Passenger Services and AI-Driven Safety: AI systems for incident detection and passenger monitoring ensure safety and inclusivity, addressing needs for vulnerable users.
- Key Achievement: Development of AI-driven safety systems and services for high-quality, inclusive transport.

4. *Cross-Sector Business Models: ULTIMO has tested models for AV use in both passenger and urban logistics services, optimizing vehicle utilization during off-peak hours.
- Key Achievement: Validation of business models ensures economic sustainability.

5.Vehicle and Infrastructure Safety Services: Testing of V2X communication and real-time incident management systems ensures safer AV operation in public spaces.
- Key Achievement: Implementation of safety and incident management services.

6. Data Collection and Management:* A Data Management Platform (DMP) has been developed to track and analyze performance metrics, enabling real-time optimization.
- Key Achievement: DMP implementation for continuous data-driven improvements.

Conclusion
ULTIMO has laid the groundwork for large-scale AV deployment through vehicle integration, API standardization, and advanced safety systems, positioning it to transform urban mobility in Europe.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The ULTIMO project, now in its 18th month, is on track to achieve key outcomes:

Anticipated Future Results
- Large-Scale AV Deployment: Full deployment of Level 4 AVs across European sites will collect data on operational efficiency, proving scalability for cities globally.
- Standardization and Open APIs: Development of open-source APIs will ease AV integration into public transport systems, reducing costs.
- Cross-Sector Business Models: Validating business models that integrate AVs into urban logistics during off-peak hours will boost economic viability.
- AI-Driven Safety Systems: Improved AI safety systems and V2X communication will enhance interaction with infrastructure and pedestrians.
- Impact Evaluation: Data will provide insights on AVs’ socio-economic and environmental contributions to EU climate goals.
Potential Impacts
- Urban Mobility: AV deployment will transform urban transport by reducing congestion and emissions.
- Public Acceptance: AVs designed for inclusivity will increase public trust and adoption.
- Economic Benefits: Cross-sector business models will generate new revenue streams.
- Regulatory Impact: ULTIMO will shape EU-wide standards for AV integration.

### Key Needs for Success
- Further R&D: Continued research in AI, safety, and cybersecurity is essential.
- Demonstrations: Extended trials are needed to validate AV performance and refine business models.
- Access to Finance: Investments in infrastructure and public-private partnerships are critical.
- Commercialization: Clear IPR strategies and regulatory support are necessary for market adoption.
- Internationalization: Collaborating globally will expand the project's impact.

Conclusion
ULTIMO’s progress will significantly influence urban mobility, sustainability, and inclusivity, with key factors like R&D, finance, and international collaboration being crucial for its broader success.