Autostat – The developer of Volgabus project: Bakulin Motors Group has presented the first Russian autonomous vehicle Matryoshka at Frankfurt Motor Show. The unmanned Matryoshka system allows the realisation of radically new models of transport services, such as transportation of passengers at the expense of the host, autonomous taxis, car sharing etc., as stated by Bakulin Motors Group press office.
“We have many ideas and concrete proposals, which we are ready to discuss with potential customers. In addition, Volgabus plans to find partners, who are ready to integrate Matryoshka into the existing infrastructures of cities and closed areas, at the exhibition” – said the general director of Bakulin Motors Group: Alexei Bakulin.
The unmanned transport vehicle Matryoshka is a modular system, formed of three elements. The central module serves as the functional load, due to the possibility of replacing this module, the vehicle can be used in different configurations – from cargo platform to passenger bus. Matryoshka can reach a velocity of 30 km/h and travel around 130 km or for four hours, once fully charged. The dimensions of the vehicle are as follows: 4000 mm length, 1700 mm width and 2700 mm height. The autonomous vehicle works on a 45 kW electric engine and the 140 Nm torque feeds the lithium-iron-phosphate batteries. The vehicle is designed for 8-12 passengers and can take up to 1300 kg on board. The software, on which Matryoshka functions, is able to self-learn and and monitor the road situation in real time. The bus can choose the optimum route itself during heavy traffic. The vehicle detects the distance of objects, road signs and traffic lights, using sensors installed on board and the Glonass GPS system is responsible for navigation.
The serial production of Matryoshka will start in 2018. New passenger versions will be released in future – medium and large classes.
