EasyMile’s EZ10 autonomous shuttle will begin operating on North Carolina State University’s (NCSU) Centennial Campus in February, according to the News & Observer.

Known as CASSI, which is short for Connected Autonomous Shuttle Supporting Innovation, the shuttle can carry up to 12 people on pre-programmed routes.

According to Mike Kennon, the assistant director of transportation at NCSU, CASSI will operate on a loop through the heart of Centennial Campus on weekdays and during special events on weekends. The campus is home to NCSU’s engineering school, as well as several technology companies, which Kennon says makes it an ideal place to showcase such technology. 

“The whole premise of the project is to give the students and residents of the area a chance to see the technology, see that it works and build a comfort level with it,” Kennon says via the News & Observer.

Capable of reaching a top speed of 12 miles per hour, CASSI slows down for changes in the pavement, and it stops suddenly when something unexpected crosses its path.

CASSI does not have a steering wheel or driver’s seat. An engineer can be on board the shuttle, though, as was the case when it operated during the North Carolina Transportation Summit this week. Those attending the summit were able to ride the shuttle during the event to experience the technology first hand.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has leased CASSI for one year. It is expected to operate on Centennial Campus for six months. NCDOT will look for additional places for the shuttle to operate for the rest of the year. According to Hannah Cockburn, director of NCDOT’s Integrated Mobility Division, college campuses, business parks and small downtown areas are all considered good candidates for where the shuttle could operate during the final six months of the lease.