EasyMile and Velodyne Lidar Inc. announced a three-year agreement on Tuesday, April 28.

EasyMile equips its EZ10 autonomous passenger shuttles with Velodyne lidar sensors, which are optimized for outstanding indoor and outdoor performance, allowing for operations in various light conditions. The sensors can accurately detect a variety of objects thanks to a combination of high-resolution 3D perception with a broad vertical field of view.

For safe and efficient navigation on roadways, EasyMile will enhance its EZ10 shuttle fleet with Velodyne’s sensors. 

“For precise navigation in real time, the EZ10s use our algorithm that fuses data from a variety of perception sensors, including lidar and camera, and localization sensors, including GPS, INS and odometry. Velodyne lidars along with radar scan for objects, vehicles, animals and people that might pose a collision threat, feeding that information to the vehicle’s control software,” explains Olivier Pairot, EasyMile’s director of Product Marketing.

“By utilizing Velodyne sensors, we are able to best gather information on every part of our environment, both close to the vehicle and at longer ranges.”

Launched in April 2015, EasyMile’s EZ10 shuttle has been deployed over 200 times, and has driven more than 600,000 kilometers in autonomous mode. Capable of carrying 15 passengers, the shuttle, which is electric and driverless, includes a built-in automated electric ramp to support accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

“The EasyMile EZ10 provides a shared, inclusive driverless shuttle solution that improves public transport by connecting hubs and in many cases, delivers a transport service where there otherwise wasn’t one available,” says Erich Smidt, executive director Europe, Velodyne Lidar.

“These shuttles show how Velodyne lidar sensors provide real-time perception data that enables safe and reliable operation for autonomous vehicles across business parks, public transport connections, university campuses and more.”