Information:
Driving with care – for Nimbus & Stratus
Our two autonomous buses are now driving independently – under constant supervision by a safety driver and at a maximum speed of 30 km/h. Overtaking is allowed.
- Keep your distance
Our buses may brake suddenly – please maintain a safe distance. - Be patient
Nimbus & Stratus are still learning. Give them time. - Leave space
When stopping or parking, leave enough room for the bus to pass safely.
What exactly is this pilot project about?
Automated vehicles will soon be tested at Zurich Airport, with the testing being carried out on the airport’s apron. By doing so, Zurich Airport Ltd. is laying the groundwork for the future use of autonomous technologies.
More about the route
The two self-driving shuttle buses (named Nimbus & Stratus) can transport up to nine people and are currently scheduled to be put into service in the next few months. They will supplement the existing airside shuttle service for employees of companies that operate at the airport. Starting airside at the employee entrance at gate 101 and ending at the maintenance area at gate 130, the route has several stops and does not cross any taxiways. Thanks to it being clearly separate from flight operations, this route is an ideal place to use automated vehicles for the first time and offers optimal test conditions. The regular journeys also make it easier for employees to commute within the airport grounds. In the first phase, a safety driver will be present in the vehicle to monitor the system. Depending on the findings in this phase, remotely monitored journeys will be tested in a subsequent phase. These will always be strictly monitored by a remote operations centre at the airport.
On the future of automated driving
Oliver Nahon, Director of Operations of the Swiss Association for Autonomous Mobility (SAAM), gives us an insight into the world of automated driving and talks about Switzerland’s pioneering role within Europe.
How safe is the technology for self-driving vehicles?
A 2023 report by Swiss Re shows that automated vehicles (AVs) from Waymo, a subsidiary of Google, already have a better safety record than human drivers.
If current trends continue, autonomous driving systems could prevent the majority of today’s accidents and significantly improve general road safety.
However, stringent safety checks are required before a vehicle can be operated without a driver.
What potential does automated driving offer for airports, and why is it important for airports to address this issue?
What developments are there in the area of autonomous driving in Switzerland?
Contact person
If you have any questions or suggestions for improvement, please contact our project team.