The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) has welcomed the Olli 2.0 autonomous vehicle from Beep, Local Motors by LM Industries and Robotic Research LLC into its JTA Test & Learn program.

Through a partnership with Beep, Local Motors by LM Industries and Robotic Research, the Olli 2.0 was delivered to Jacksonville in late August. This is Local Motor’s first electric, autonomous, 3D-printed shuttle to be built in the United States. According to JTA, the Olli 2.0 will lead the next phase of the JTA’s Test & Learn activities at Florida State College at Jacksonville’s Cecil Center Campus and the JTA’s Armsdale Test & Learn facilities.

This is the fifth autonomous vehicle that the JTA has tested since it launched its Ultimate Urban Circulator program in 2017. Expected to “transform and modernize” the existing Skyway APM system in Downtown Jacksonville to support autonomous vehicles and related technologies, the multiphase U2C program includes the full conversion of the existing Skyway infrastructure and neighborhood expansions through ground-level connections, creating a 10-mile urban transit network.

“When we first announced our plan to retire the Skyway trains and replace them with autonomous vehicles, the JTA set the goal to keep up with the latest advancements. Receiving the first Olli 2.0 shuttle in the United States is proof of that commitment,” says JTA Chief Executive Officer, Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. 

“The delivery of the Olli 2.0 at our Test & Learn track marks the next step in shaping the future of public transportation– not just in Jacksonville, but nationally.”

The integration of the Olli 2.0 with the JTA’s existing Test & Learn program was made possible by Beep’s long-standing relationship as an autonomous shuttle service provider to the JTA’s Test & Learn program, and a recent supplier agreement with Local Motors. Beep will ensure the smooth, safe and seamless operation of the Olli 2.0 in Jacksonville. In collaboration with Robotic Research, Beep will also support the team in extending its knowledge of evolving autonomous vehicle technologies.

The Olli 2.0 is equipped with Robotic Research's AutoDrive Autonomy kit, which uses V2X technologies to provide driver-warning, driver-assist and connected autonomous functionality in urban, mixed-traffic roadways as well as campus environments. Robotic Research's nSight family of products provide an end-to-end data collection-to-analysis pipeline to better enhance the future of autonomous vehicles and transportation.