Tier IV launches autonomous Minibus 2.0

Japanese autonomous vehicle technology company Tier IV announced the launch of the Minibus 2.0. The company said the autonomous electric bus builds upon the success of Minibus 1.0 and incorporates features to meet the changing needs of the autonomous vehicle market.

An artist’s rendering of the Minibus 2.0. (Image: Tier IV)

The Minibus 2.0 has been designed to comply with the Japanese government’s Level 4 autonomous driving criteria. According to Tier IV, that means the vehicle is considered to be fully driverless, handling the majority of driving situations autonomously under specific conditions on private roads.

A key upgrade from Minibus 1.0 is the enhanced redundancy system that is essential for safety in Level 4 operations, Tier IV said. The autonomous driving development kit powering Minibus 2.0 features a next-generation architecture, optimized for compatibility with TIER IV’s reference designs that customers can freely copy and customize.

The vehicle is equipped with an array of advanced sensors, including long- and short-range LiDARs (light detection and ranging), object and traffic light detection cameras, radars, an inertial measurement unit and a global navigation satellite system sensor. These sensors are fully compatible with Tier IV’s electronic and vehicle control units, optimizing the autonomous driving performance.

Minibus 2.0 is scheduled for delivery to customers late this year, with initial deployments planned in regions across Japan, Tier IV said. The company aims to expand local enterprise-led deployments and explore international opportunities to meet the rising demand for autonomous buses.

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