Project, Background
What sets AmiGo in motion – behind the scenes of operations
To ensure that AmiGo can operate in automated mode on the roads, a lot of work is carried out in the background. Marc Rüder, Head of Operations, provides insights and explains how safety is ensured in automated driving.
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Marc Rüder, you are managing operations from the depot in Altstätten. What exactly is happening here in the depot?
The depot is the heart of the operations. This is not only where our vehicles are located, but also where all processes are coordinated and managed.
With the FEDRO special permit, we can start automated operations with safety drivers. In recent weeks, the focus has clearly been ensuring a safe and smooth start to operation,. To this end, we have established comprehensive operating processes.
These include, for example, comprehensive training for safety drivers, checking the operational capability of vehicles before each journey and carrying out follow-up afterwards. Information and experience are continually collected, for example about the situations in which safety drivers had to intervene. This data is systematically evaluated in order to continuously improve operations.
Safety is AmiGo’s top priority – what exactly does this look like in everyday operations?
Safety is the central guiding principle in all operations. It is ensured by clearly defined regulations and procedures.
By having standardized processes and consistently complying with all regulations, we reduce risks to a minimum.
This also includes many smaller measures: for example, our vehicles are visibly marked as autonomous test vehicles to to alert other road users to the vehicle’s behaviour in traffic.
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I am thrilled to be involved in one of the first projects of this kind in Europe from the outset, as automated driving becomes a reality as a complement to public transport. You can feel this energy throughout the entire team.
Marc Rüder, Head of Operations, AmiGo
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With AmiGo, new job profiles are being created, such as safety driver. What does this job look like exactly?
During the initial operating phase, the vehicles will operate in automated mode, but a safety driver will be behind the wheel. The steering wheel is always at hand and the foot is close to the brake. The system learns from every intervention.
There are only a few safety drivers worldwide. The new job profile is therefore very innovative and exciting, which is also reflected in the enthusiasm of our employees. At the same time, the role is highly demanding. In addition to participating in the preparation and follow-up processes in operations, the person sits behind the wheel during the journey and is ready to intervene at any time. This role requires a very high level of concentration, discipline and responsiveness, often even more than in conventional driving.
The training is provided in cooperation with our experienced technology partner Baidu Apollo Go, supplemented by specific training courses from PostBus, particularly on Swiss regulations and operating processes.
Operations will be carried out entirely by PostBus. What role does the technology partner Baidu Apollo Go play?
PostBus is responsible for operations and defines requirements, in particular with regard to safety and procedures.
Baidu Apollo Go is involved as a technology partner and provides the vehicle technology. The collaboration is close and iterative: feedback from operations is incorporated directly into the development of the systems.
It’s also important to note that PostBus is fully responsible for data sovereignty. All data collected is stored securely with us and is not transferred to the technology partner.
In the long term, the goal is for PostBus to be able to take on more and more operational tasks independently, while Baidu Apollo Go continues to support technological development.
