EasyMile with Keolis: autonomous shuttle project underway at France’s National Sports Shooting Centre

Two fully autonomous, remotely supervized EasyMile shuttles have been launched in service at France’s National Sports Shooting Centre (CNTS) in mid January. They are on track for the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.

This pilot, in cooperation with Keolis, aims to validate the economic and operational model of the autonomous shuttles. During competition days, EasyMile’s autonomous electric shuttles will transport spectators and athletes the 1.5 km between the main car park, located at the entrance of the centre, and the shooting ranges. This last-mile service is a new, more environmentally friendly mode of mobility. The shuttles are also accessible to people with reduced mobility. 

18 months of pilot for Keolis – EasyMile

For 18 months, Keolis tested and operated these two third-generation EasyMile autonomous shuttles on the CNTS site. The deployment enabled the transport operator to test the navigation software bricks and to validate the latest features of the critical safety systems, which allow the vehicles to travel safely in level 4 autonomy (without any on-board human assistance and supervised remotely).

The two shuttles operate simultaneously without a human operator on board. They are monitored by a field operator and a control center in Paris. Passengers can communicate with the supervisor through an intercommunication system and cameras located inside the vehicles.

“This new service, based on the know-how of two major players in autonomous public transport, is a further step towards scaling up, thanks to the control of operations by a single supervisor for two shuttles. Carried out in collaboration with Keolis, this project highlights the service that a fleet of autonomous shuttles can provide and the maturity of our technology” says Benoit Perrin, Managing Director of EasyMile