NFT - Next Future Transportation: Shaping Tomorrow's Mobility
Messe.TV presenter Jürgen Groh gets to see innovative transportation options at Next Future Transportation - NFT for short. Modules that can be combined to form a bus according to the prevailing demand. This offers great opportunities for urban passenger transportation. In phase 1, a bus driver is still on board for monitoring purposes - in phase 2, the bus could drive completely autonomously. Find out more in our video.
Urban passenger transportation with autonomous buses
Modular bus system: flexibility for the mobility of the future
NFT Next Future Transportation has developed an innovative concept that is revolutionizing adaptability in public transport. At the heart of this project is a modular bus system in which the capacity can be flexibly adapted to the respective needs. A single module offers space for up to ten people and is comparable in size to a Smart, but with significantly more space for passengers. When demand is high, for example at peak times, up to seven modules can be combined to form a long bus, while individual modules can be disconnected at off-peak times. This flexibility makes it possible to organize the flow of traffic efficiently and make optimum use of resources.
Integration of self-driving technology for maximum efficiency
Self-driving technology is a central component of the concept. Each module is equipped with its own drive system, batteries and an autonomous control system. This enables automatic coupling and uncoupling of the modules as well as synchronization of steering movements when the units are connected. Although human drivers will initially be deployed to overcome current legal and technological challenges, the system is designed to be future-proof. A software upgrade will be sufficient to operate the buses fully autonomously as soon as the legal framework is in place. Vision technology ensures precise perception of the surroundings, guaranteeing safe and efficient control.
Sustainable mobility thanks to electric drives
The modules are fully electric and equipped with wheel hub motors, which ensure high energy efficiency and low emissions. The lightweight but robust construction made of aluminum honeycomb materials also contributes to sustainability. Each module has an identical design, which facilitates production and maintenance. The system is designed to be used in both urban and interurban traffic. With a maximum speed of 120 km/h for connected modules, it can also be used on highways, which considerably expands the possible applications.
Market readiness and future prospects
Prototypes on a scale of 1:10 are already demonstrating how the system works, including autonomous coupling and decoupling. According to plans, the first commercial fleets could be on the roads within two years. This modular and scalable concept forms a bridge between conventional electric buses and the future of fully autonomous Level 4 vehicles. NFT Next Future Transportation thus offers a forward-looking solution to the challenges of modern public transport.
