Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

New Flyer, Robotic Research Partner to Test Autonomous Bus Tech

The technology will be tested at Robotic Research facilities in late 2019, with closed course operation anticipated for 2020.

by Staff
May 20, 2019
New Flyer, Robotic Research Partner to Test Autonomous Bus Tech

The partnership between New Flyer and Robotic Research will pursue development of an Xcelsior Charge battery-electric bus equipped with Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Standard J3016 Level 4 ADAS technology.

Photo via New Flyer.

1 min to read


New Flyer of America Inc. announced an exclusive partnership with Robotic Research LLC. to advance autonomous bus technology through developing and deploying advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) in heavy-duty transit bus applications.

The partnership between New Flyer and Robotic Research will pursue development of an Xcelsior Charge battery-electric bus equipped with Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Standard J3016 Level 4 ADAS technology. SAE J3016 Level 4 is defined as high automation where the vehicle performs all driving tasks autonomously while actively monitoring the driving environment.

Ad Loading...

The technology will be tested at Robotic Research facilities in late 2019, with closed course operation anticipated for 2020. To simulate realistic public transit applications, a trained onboard safety attendant will be utilized for evaluation and demonstration.

Robotic Research is a privately held, U.S.-based innovative engineering and technology company providing software, robotic technology, and autonomous solutions to commercial and government customers. Its testing facilities are located in Gaithersburg and Clarksburg, Md.

This article was originally posted on Metro Magazine.

More Fleet Forward

A dog sits at a desk and vibe codes
Fleet Forwardby Chris BrownSeptember 1, 2026

Vibe Coding: When Fleet Managers Become Software Builders

Five fleet professionals — none with programming skills — discuss how they’re using AI to build fleet solutions in-house and in a fraction of the time.

Read More →
FFC updates and news template
Fleet Forwardby StaffAugust 22, 2026

What Fleets Want: FFC Panel to Examine the Future of the Fleet-OEM Relationship

Fleet and OEM leaders will tackle how connected vehicles, embedded telematics, and data are changing the relationship between commercial fleets and automakers.

Read More →
A graphic with the 2026 Fleet Manager of the Year finalists
Fleet Forwardby Faith HowellAugust 19, 2026

2026 Fleet Manager of the Year Finalists Announced

Who are the 2026 Fleet Manager of the Year finalists?

Read More →
Ad Loading...
John Rossant speaker keynote image
Fleet Forwardby StaffAugust 18, 2026

John Rossant to Deliver Opening Keynote at 2026 Fleet Forward Conference

The CoMotion founder will draw on developments across Europe, China, the Middle East, and other international markets to identify trends that could influence how U.S. fleets plan for the coming decade.

Read More →
Vibe coding webinar promo image
Fleet Forwardby StaffAugust 12, 2026

How to Build Custom Fleet Tools With AI and Vibe Coding [Webinar]

A new Automotive Fleet webinar explores how fleet managers are using AI and vibe coding to automate routine work and create simple operational tools without traditional programming skills.

Read More →
speaker card for Fresh Voices seminar at FFC
Fleet Forwardby StaffAugust 10, 2026

Is Fleet Ready for Its New Disruptors?

Three emerging leaders from a corporate fleet, public fleet, and the automotive supply chain will bring new ideas and a willingness to challenge industry norms to the Fleet Forward Conference stage.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A fleet forward safety symposium announcement photo from NAFA
Fleet Forwardby News/Media ReleaseAugust 5, 2026

NAFA Announces 2026 Fleet Safety Symposium Education Program

Register for NAFA’s Fleet Safety Symposium and save $200 on your Fleet Forward Conference registration.

Read More →
Speaker card for vibe code session at Fleet Forward Conference
Fleet Forwardby Chris BrownAugust 3, 2026

Fleet Managers Take the Lead in Hands-On AI Workshop at FFC

The fleet manager-led session will show how to use “vibe coding” to build practical fleet tools without a traditional programming background.

Read More →
FFC seminar speaker card Cost of Crashes
Fleet Forwardby StaffJuly 31, 2026

NETS Crash-Cost Data and CoolSys’ 80% Loss Reduction Take Center Stage at FFC

NETS will present findings from its latest Cost of Crashes research, then CoolSys safety leader and author Shawn Martinez will explain how the company built a safer driving culture across 3,500 employees.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
seminar card for Gray Fleet Risk session at Fleet Forward Conference
Fleet Forwardby StaffJuly 24, 2026

Is Your Grey Fleet Creating an Unmanaged Safety Risk?

NCR Atleos Fleet Manager Jose Rocha will join Cardata and SambaSafety experts at Fleet Forward Conference to examine how fleets can extend safety oversight to every employee who drives for business.

Read More →