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.
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.
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.
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.
More Fleet Forward
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 →
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 →
Agentic AI Session at FFC Will Help Fleets Turn Data Into TCO Action
Mike Albert Fleet Solutions and Motorq will show how agentic AI can uncover maintenance, fuel, and utilization savings buried across disconnected fleet data.
Read More →
Voting Opens for 2026 Fleet Hall of Fame
See the nominations for the 2026 Hall of Fame and select your choice for this year's class!
Read More →
7 Fleet Professionals Named Finalists for the 2026 Fleet Visionary Award
Meet the 2026 nominees for the Fleet Visionary Award.
Read More →
9 Fleet Leaders Nominated for the 2026 Fleet Manager of the Year Award
Meet the nine finalists for the 2026 Fleet Manager of the Year Award.
Read More →
Fleet Forward Conference to Debut First Registration-Based Analysis of Largest Commercial Fleets
The session will deliver an exclusive first look at registration data covering more than 1.5 million commercial vehicles, offering one of the industry's most detailed views of the private fleet market.
Read More →
Registration Opens for 2026 Fleet Forward Conference
Held on the East Coast for the first time, the Washington, D.C.-area event features expert-led education, a new IIHS Crash Test Experience, and collocation with the NAFA’s Fleet Safety Symposium.
Read More →
Earley, Mossing Named to NAFA's 2026 Class of Fellows
The honor recognizes five outstanding professionals whose leadership, service and contributions have made a significant impact on NAFA and the fleet management profession.
Read More →