EU-supported project from Finland is testing them in real-life conditions

Researchers in Finland are testing driverless buses in real-life conditions, and they are keen to take the technology forward. Trials have been conducted for a few weeks at a time in Espoo, Helsinki and Tampere. With buses operating in mixed traffic on open roads, this project is one of the world’s most advanced initiatives of its kind. Sohjoa is among the first automatic bus projects globally to bring such vehicles to open roads, and its enterprising approach has gained it and Finland global attention.    

The self-driving buses championed by Sohjoa are cost-effective, energy-efficient electric vehicles designed for up to nine passengers. Trials on the open road, as opposed to closed circuits, where normal traffic does not have to be factored in. Total investment for the project “Sohjoa: physical and virtual innovation platform of autonomous last mile urban transportation” is EUR 553 417, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing through the “Sustainable growth and jobs 2014-20 – Structural Funds programme of Finland (ERDF)” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period.

Source: European Commission