Navia (vehicle)

Navia is a type of autonomous shuttle developed by French company Navya (formerly Induct Technology). These electric vehicles are designed for shared mobility in controlled or semi-controlled environments. Primarily intended for use in campuses, industrial sites, pedestrian zones, and city centers with clearly defined routes, Navia shuttles offer a solution for first/last mile transportation.

Characteristics:

• Autonomous Navigation: Navia vehicles utilize a combination of sensors, including LiDAR, cameras, GPS, and odometry, to perceive their environment and navigate pre-programmed routes. They are programmed to avoid obstacles and react to unforeseen circumstances.
• Electric Propulsion: As electric vehicles, Navia shuttles contribute to reduced emissions and a quieter operating environment compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles.
• Limited Speed: Typically, Navia shuttles operate at relatively low speeds, often capped around 25 km/h (15 mph), to prioritize safety in pedestrian-heavy areas.
• Capacity: Navia vehicles typically accommodate a limited number of passengers, ranging from 10 to 15, depending on the specific model and configuration. Seating arrangements can vary.
• Route Flexibility: While generally operating on pre-defined routes, Navia shuttles can often be programmed with new routes or adjusted to adapt to changing environmental conditions. They may also incorporate dynamic routing capabilities in some deployments.

Deployment and Applications:

Navia shuttles have been deployed in various locations worldwide, including university campuses, hospitals, industrial parks, and urban centers. Their applications include:

• First/Last Mile Transportation: Connecting passengers to existing public transport networks, such as bus or train stations.
• Internal Transportation: Providing efficient movement within large campuses or industrial sites.
• Tourism and Sightseeing: Offering guided tours of specific areas in a safe and sustainable manner.
• Research and Development: Serving as a platform for research into autonomous driving technologies and shared mobility solutions.

Safety Features:

Safety is a paramount concern in the design and operation of Navia shuttles. Key safety features include:

• Emergency Stop Systems: Both onboard and remote emergency stop capabilities are integrated.
• Obstacle Detection and Avoidance: Advanced sensor systems and algorithms are used to detect and avoid obstacles, including pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles.
• Remote Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of vehicle status and location by a remote operations center.
• Defined Operational Design Domain (ODD): Navia shuttles are designed to operate within a specific ODD, which defines the environmental and operational conditions under which the vehicle is deemed safe to operate.