First SAE Level-4 Automated Bus in Public Road Service on a U.S. University Campus
The Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK, automated by ADASTEC, was first deployed at Michigan State University as part of Phase 1, marking one of the earliest demonstrations of full-size automated public transport operating on open public roads within a university campus in the United States. This deployment featured the Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK, automated by ADASTEC and equipped with ADASTEC’s advanced sensor suite, delivering precise navigation and intelligent decision-making in live traffic conditions.
The 3.3-mile (5.3 km) route connectedCommuter Lot 89 with the MSU Auditorium, operating entirely on public roads with active vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. The Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK navigated seven intersections equipped with V2X-integrated traffic signals, bicycle lanes, crosswalks, and two uncontrolled left turns, maintaining a regulated speed of 20 mph (32 km/h). These varied elements created a challenging real-world test environment for ADASTEC’s automated driving software platform to operate safely and consistently.
Throughout the service, the system processed SPaT and MAP messages from infrastructure, handled complex mixed-traffic interactions, and delivered continuous operation during changing weather conditions. Approved under the U.S. DOT AV-Test Initiative and operated on public roads with oversight from NHTSA, live operational data was shared with federal authorities, demonstrating ADASTEC’s commitment to transparency, safety, and regulatory collaboration.
The Phase 1 deployment began in 2021 and continued until April 2023, providing reliable, accessible, and efficient transportation for students, faculty, and visitors across the MSU campus. It generated valuable insights into integrating full-size automated buses into an active university transportation network.
Building on the foundation laid by this operation, ADASTEC expanded its role at MSU with a new phase, introducing a different vehicle platform while continuing to serve as the automated driving system provider. The knowledge gained from the Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK deployment directly informed the configuration, route planning, and operational approach for subsequent services, strengthening ADASTEC’s expertise in large-scale, real-world automated bus operations in the United States.
