SMO project ends

The Shuttle Model Region Upper Franconia project ends - the city of Hof takes stock.

Auf dem Bild sind zwei Männer zu sehen, die in einem Shuttle stehen. — Research assistants at Iisys at Hof University of Applied Sciences. They were significantly involved in the SMO project.

After four years of intensive research, the pioneering "Shuttle Model Region Upper Franconia" project will come to an end on September 30, 2024. The aim of the project was to research and further develop the potential of semi-automated and autonomous systems in local public transport. The city of Hof was a partner in this nationally recognized project from the very beginning.

The Upper Franconia model region has addressed numerous issues in recent years - from vehicle and sensor technologies such as "Lidar" to the psychological aspects of driving without a human driver and the use of artificial intelligence. Testing innovative projects is crucial, as people in the Hofer Land region also need to remain mobile without their own car - be it on the way to work, to the doctor, to leisure activities or to go shopping.

The research project has provided valuable new insights, which will be published in a final report in fall 2024 and made available to the specialist public. Semi-automated driving in public transport plays a key role in the mobility of the future. The project was designed as a research project from the outset and, with the shuttle lines in the city center and on the university route in Hof, provided a testing ground for numerous scientific studies.

The people of Hof were also actively involved, for example through surveys on driving safety and behavior in the passenger area. The new form of mobility was well received and tested. The project attracted nationwide attention through press coverage, congress appearances and visits by specialist delegations on site.

There are currently no further funding opportunities for the project, which means that the project will have to come to an end despite the research questions that remain unanswered. The city of Hof would like to thank all those involved for their excellent cooperation.