— Challenge Opens as U.S. Winner Prepares for Deployment
Local Motors by LM Industries Group Inc., known for 3D-printed mobility solutions, is opening an Australian fleet challenge for its autonomous shuttle known as Olli. The challenge invites Australian municipalities, campuses, designated districts and transit or transportation operators to propose short-term, best-use scenarios for the self-driving shuttle, which is already operating along a thoroughfare in cooperation with a public transit system in Glenelg.
The Australian challenge follows similar, first-of-its-kind challenges in the U.S. city of Sacramento, Calif. and the Greater Washington, D.C. area. Sacramento State, a public university in California, is preparing to receive its fleet of Olli shuttles after being named a winner of the challenge in December. Judges will begin evaluating entries for the Greater Washington challenge in early February.
Jay Rogers, CEO and co-founder of Local Motors, believes these challenges, which will be held in additional markets, is a way to introduce the general public to the concept and benefits of autonomous transportation.
“Olli is not only providing rides, it is taking us along for a ride through the ever-evolving world of self-driving transportation,” Rogers said of the world’s first co-created, autonomous, electric shuttle. “We’ve already seen its success in several applications, from Chicago to Las Vegas to a college campus in New York. And, Australians in Glenelg are finding that Olli is friendly, easy to use, smart and safe. We are excited to see what’s possible in other parts of the country.”
A panel of esteemed judges with industry experience and background will evaluate the entries. Judges include Michael Heath, Head of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Canberra, Mark Ullah, an industry lead in charge of future cities, mobility and growth markets for Telstra Enterprise in Brisbane, Tony Mobbs, head of CTP insurance with Allianz Australia in Sydney, and Rita Excell, Executive Director at ADVI in Adelaide.
“This fleet challenge presents an exciting opportunity for Australia, which is already serving as a proving ground for autonomous transportation,” Excell said of the trial at Moseley Square in Glenelg. “The location that is ultimately chosen for this fleet of self-driving vehicles will be one that showcases forward-thinking during an exceptional time of technological advancement. And, it will demonstrate a drive for innovation, sustainable transportation and an appreciation for safety. I’m eager to review the possibilities.”
The entry window for the Australian challenge is open immediately and will close March 27. Interested applicants may visit to apply and to
