"DLR's transport research uniquely addresses the mobility needs of both the economy and society, while also advancing the technologies required to move people and goods efficiently, safely, affordably and in an environmentally sustainable manner," said Meike Jipp, DLR Divisional Board Member for Energy and Transport. "In doing so, we support the transport and commercial vehicle sectors as a consultant, source of ideas and a strategic partner, helping to address current challenges from new business models and the shortage of skilled workers to energy and sustainability issues."
U-Shift: A Flexible and Modular Vehicle Concept for the Future
DLR's U-Shift vehicle concept aims to transform logistics and urban mobility through its innovative design. The concept separates the U-shaped driveboard, which houses all the technical systems for autonomous, electric, and quiet operation, from the capsule structures designed to carry either passengers or goods. The driveboard operates around the clock, while the more cost-effective capsules can be customized for various applications, such as parcel distribution hubs, mobile retail outlets, or shuttle services.
At the event, DLR is showcasing the cargo version of the U-Shift, designed as a micro-hub capable of handling up to two tonnes of goods, including Euro pallets or mesh trolleys. This version facilitates ground-level loading and unloading and can be pre-loaded at a warehouse for overnight delivery. The U-Shift has already proven its effectiveness in passenger transport, operating autonomously during the 2023 German national garden show (BUGA) in Mannheim. DLR is planning additional trials and is seeking partners from companies and mobility providers to continue advancing the U-Shift.
Ensuring Safe Software Updates for Automated Vehicles
As autonomous vehicles become more prevalent, their software systems require regular updates, making the vehicles function more like "rolling computers." This introduces new challenges, particularly in ensuring that software updates occur safely while the vehicle is in operation. To address this, DLR has developed a modular software update process, which includes an update management tool to verify that the vehicle's computing platform has enough resources, such as computing power and storage, to handle new updates.
At IAA Transportation 2024, the DLR Institute of Systems Engineering for Future Mobility is demonstrating this update process with a 1:10 scale model vehicle. The vehicle, connected to a simulation environment, will receive an automatic lane detection system update, with the entire process visually displayed for attendees.
Base-X: Advanced Data Integration for Mobility
DLR is also presenting Base-X, a decentralized data integration system developed as part of the Gaia-X initiative. Base-X allows for seamless connections between existing data and service infrastructures and open data ecosystems. By fostering secure and transparent data exchange, Base-X helps reduce dependency on large private cloud providers and supports the development of scalable, interoperable mobility solutions.
Base-X is a key outcome of the Gaia-X 4 Future Mobility project family, which aims to facilitate the digital transformation of transportation systems. By creating a marketplace for digital services, this system enables innovations like networked mobility services and automated solutions for the last mile, supporting the shift towards climate-friendly and efficient transport.
Related Links
DLR Institute of Vehicle Concepts
Aerospace News at SpaceMart.com
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