Ann Arbor MI – October 5, 2023 – ADASTEC Corp., a leading technology supplier specializing in the most advanced Level-4 automated transportation software platform for full-size commercial vehicles, is proud to partner with Vicinity Motor Corp. to revolutionize urban mobility. This collaboration will bring an SAE level-4 automated electric bus, the Vicinity Autonomous Lightning EV, to the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, showcasing ADASTEC's cutting-edge automated transportation technology, flowride.ai, for full-size commercial vehicles. The deployment is part of the Buffalo All Access: In and Around BNMC project, a new initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) under the ITS4US program.
Adel W. Sadek, Ph.D., Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University at Buffalo and lead of the UB team overseeing the development of the Self-Driving Automated Bus component of the ITS4US Buffalo All Access project, emphasizes the transformative nature of this partnership: “We are very excited to be working with ADASTEC and Vicinity Motor Corp. on what we view as a truly transformative project that aims to improve mobility for all ages and abilities in our region. The electric, self-driving automated bus that ADASTEC proposed to deploy in Buffalo includes an onboard attendant and other features to enhance accessibility and overall trip experience for travelers with disabilities. In addition, ADASTEC’s prior experience with operating self-driving automated buses in Michigan and Norway gives us confidence that their vehicle will be better equipped to handle Buffalo’s harsh wintery conditions.”
ADASTEC, renowned for its expertise in elevating electric full-size commercial vehicles to SAE Level-4 autonomy, has joined forces with Vicinity Motor Corp., a prominent supplier of electric and clean-diesel vehicles. Together, they aim to introduce an advanced automated transportation solution that will cater to the diverse transportation needs of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.
Dr. Ali, Chief Executive Officer of ADASTEC, articulates the significance of this project: “Winning the ITS4US Project at the University at Buffalo will bring us closer to our goal of deploying accessible, modern, and clean transportation to underserved communities. We believe that this project, in partnership with Vicinity, will serve as a scalable example throughout the nation.”
Cemre Kavvasoglu, North America Product Management Director of ADASTEC, also adds, “ We're excited to partner with Vicinity Motor Corp. and the University at Buffalo to create the first FMVSS, ADA, and Buy America compliant automated bus in the nation through our ITS4US tender win.“
Project Highlights
Enhanced Accessibility:
The project spearheaded by ADASTEC Corp. and Vicinity Motor Corp. will deploy automated transportation designed to improve accessibility for all community members, including those with disabilities and older adults. The automated transportation will feature on-board attendants and state-of-the-art accessibility features, ensuring a seamless and inclusive transportation experience.
Brent Phillips, Sr. Director of Sales at Vicinity., adds his enthusiasm: "Our partnership with ADASTEC and this opportunity with the University of Buffalo marks a new era in public transportation solutions for the United States and Canada. We are fortunate to lead the industry, delivering the first Buy America fully FMVSS-compliant low-floor bus."
Smart Mobility Ecosystem:
ADASTEC's proprietary automated software platform, flowride.ai, will serve as the technological backbone of the automated bus solution. This platform integrates advanced sensor technology and artificial intelligence to enable automated transportation to navigate safely and efficiently through urban environments. The vehicles will operate within a smart mobility ecosystem, utilizing the most advanced technologies.
William Trainer, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Vicinity Motor Corp., said, “Together with the ADASTEC partnership, we've been able to accomplish both critical tasks and pave a clear path to deliverable operation in 2024. Vicinity is grateful to ADASTEC and the University at Buffalo for their confidence and commitment.”
Winter-Ready Automated Transportation:
Given Buffalo's challenging winter conditions, ADASTEC's prior experience in operating automated transportation without any human intervention in harsh climates, including Michigan and Norway, provides added confidence in the success of this project. These automated busses are engineered to handle adverse weather conditions, ensuring reliable transportation year-round.
Chunming Qiao, Ph.D., SUNY Distinguished Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University at Buffalo and co-lead of the UB team on the ITS4US project, adds: "Besides working with ADASTEC on the ITS4US project, we, at the University at Buffalo, are looking forward to a long-term, collaborative relationship with ADASTEC in the emerging area of public transportation automation research and development, which the University is heavily invested in."
About the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC):
The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus is a world-class health & innovation district located in Buffalo, New York. It encompasses 120 acres and is home to an extensive network of hospitals, research centers, educational institutions, and private companies, making it a hub for healthcare, research, and innovation. BNMC is a 501-c-3 organization that plans and manages the medical campus, focusing on leveraging the district's assets to build an innovation ecosystem that creates positive social and economic impact for our community. For more information, please visit www.bnmc.org.
About ADASTEC Corp.:
ADASTEC Corp. is a pioneering software company dedicated to advancing autonomous and connected public transportation vehicles. Leveraging its proprietary software platform, flowride.ai, and sensor stack, ADASTEC enables electric public transit buses to achieve SAE Level 4 autonomy. With a global presence, ADASTEC collaborates with bus OEMs worldwide, with deployments in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia/Oceania. The company is headquartered in Michigan, USA, with additional operations in Istanbul, Turkey, as well as offices in Brabant, the Netherlands, and Stockholm, Sweden. For more information, please visit www.adastec.com.
About Vicinity Motor Corp.:
Vicinity Motor Corp. (NASDAQ:VEV)(TSXV:VMC) ("VMC") is a North American supplier of electric vehicles for both public and commercial enterprise use. The Company leverages a dealer network and close relationships with world-class manufacturing partners to supply its flagship electric, CNG and clean-diesel Vicinity buses, as well as the VMC 1200 electric truck to the transit and industrial markets. For more information, please visit www.vicinitymotorcorp.com.