The future is arriving
In the KIRA project, Level 4 autonomous vehicles are being tested in on-demand service for the first time in Germany – an important step for the mobility transition!
Jetzt für Testfahrten registrieren!
Initiated by:
Funded by:
Autonomous vehicles operating at regular speeds in German public transport
Self-driving cars that take part in normal road traffic in a defined service area at normal speed – this is becoming a reality for the first time in Germany with KIRA, AI-based regular operation of autonomous on-demand transport. The project is kicking off in Darmstadt and the district of Offenbach.
Autonomous driving is a crucial step for the expansion of public transport and the implementation of the mobility transition, particularly in times of driver shortages. The electrically powered on-demand shuttles, which can be booked via an app, are an important element of public transport services, particularly in rural area and small towns.
https://kira-autonom.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/240918_KIRA_Final_Website.mp4https://kira-autonom.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/KIRA-Imagefilm-Autonomes-Fahren-2025-ENG-5.mp4
Self-driving cars that take part in normal road traffic in a defined service area at normal speed – this is becoming a reality for the first time in Germany with KIRA, AI-based regular operation of autonomous on-demand transport. The project is kicking off in Darmstadt and the district of Offenbach.
Autonomous driving is a crucial step for the expansion of public transport and the implementation of the mobility transition, particularly in times of driver shortages. The electrically powered on-demand shuttles, which can be booked via an app, are an important element of public transport services, particularly in rural area and small towns.
The Rhine-Main Regional Transport Association (RMV) and Deutsche Bahn are collaborating with local partners HEAG mobilo and Kreisverkehrsgesellschaft Offenbach to realise the project with support from the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport and the State of Hesse. Technology partners are Mobileye, ioki and Bosch.
The results of the project will be analysed together with the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and dmo mobility consultants and compiled into a guideline by the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV).
The project phases
-
concluded
Phase 1: Project set-up
- Rough transport concept
- Partnerships
- Financing and funding
- Legal framework
- Local decision-making processes
Phase 2: Implementation
- Obtaining permits
- Development of operational processes
- Programming software and interfaces
- Setting up operations and headquarters
-
active
Phase 3: Operation
3.1 : Calibration drives
- Vehicle collects environmental and traffic data
- Vehicle drives autonomously, without passengers, with safety personnel on board
- Testing with project employees as passengers
-
in planning
3.2: Trial operation
- Set-up of a closed group of test users
- On-demand service with test users and safety personnel on board
- User acceptance research and traffic analyses
- Optimisation of technology and processes based on customer feedback
- Drafting of a guideline for the industry
The operating area
To learn how autonomous on-demand vehicles can be integrated into existing public transport services in the long term, it is important to gather experience in both rural and urban transport environments.
The KIRA shuttles operate in parts of the city of Darmstadt and in the western part of the Offenbach district. They move freely on the approved road network while always choosing the best route.
The operating area will be gradually expanded with the start of the test rides.
The technology: redundant sensor systems, modern vehicles and highly specialised personnel provide for safety and a high level of ride comfort
The autonomous driving system: KIRA uses the Mobileye Drive™ autonomous driving system. The system integrated into the KIRA vehicles is based on a combination of camera, radar and lidar sensors as well as intelligent data from the driving environment. A mathematical safety model also provides a set of rules for autonomous driving.
Radar sensors
- 4 x short-range radars
- 2 x long-range radars
Cameras
- Main front-facing 8 MP camera
- Narrow front-facing 8 MP camera
- 2 x side-front 8 MP cameras
- 2 x side-rear 8 MP cameras
- Backup camera
- Traffic light 8 MP camera
- Rear 8 MP camera
- 4 x 2MP short-range surround cameras
Lidar sensors
- 6 x short-range lidars
- 3 x long-range lidars
Radar sensors
- 4 x short-range radars
- 2 x long-range radars
Cameras
- Main front-facing 8 MP camera
- Narrow front-facing 8 MP camera
- 2 x side-front 8 MP cameras
- 2 x side-rear 8 MP cameras
- Backup camera
- Traffic light 8 MP camera
- Rear 8 MP camera
- 4 x 2MP short-range surround cameras
Lidar sensors
- 6 x short-range lidars
- 3 x long-range lidars
Both systems – camera and radar/lidar – work independently. Should one system fail, the other system can continue to ensure operation.
The advantage of using different sensors is that a comprehensive model of the driving environment is produced at all times and the vehicle can be operated autonomously, including in adverse weather conditions, for example.
Climb aboard! (virtually)
Scene 1Scene 2Scene 3
Scene 1: Crossing traffic without traffic lights
The autonomous vehicle observes through traffic and pedestrians in order to find a suitable gap for turning without slowing down the flow of traffic.
Source: mobileye
Scene 2: Pedestrians and crosswalks
Pedestrians cross the road in front of the vehicle. The autonomous vehicle slows down, signaling to pedestrians that they can pass.
Source: mobileye
Scene 3: Obstacle blocks the road
A road user blocks the lane of the autonomous vehicle. Based on the traffic situation, the vehicle decides that a cautious overtaking maneuver is possible.
Source: mobileye
The vehicle
The NIO ES8 with the Mobileye autonomous driving system installed can master complex driving situations and drives autonomously at normal speeds of up to 130 km/h. The electric vehicle has a range of approximately 400 km and can seat three passengers in the configuration for KIRA trial service.
For safe autonomous driving
One of the most important trial operation objectives is to gradually test and optimise all safety-relevant processes. The legal basis for this is provided by the Autonome-Fahrzeuge-Genehmigungs-und-Betriebsverordnung (Autonomous Vehicle Authorisation and Operation Ordinance), which is being applied here for the first time in public transport.
Technical supervision
Technical supervision in the control centre is an important element of autonomous driving for later regular operation without a safety driver. Technical supervision is being tested as part of the project. Employees monitor the vehicles and approve manoeuvres after assessing the situation on the basis of camera images and data.
Safety driver
During KIRA trial operation, trained safety personnel will be on board at all times to monitor, validate and intervene in the event of an incident. Other than that, the safety drivers do not use their hands or feet, i.e. the vehicle drives completely autonomously.
Digital passenger assistance in the cabin
A digital cabin management system enables audiovisual interaction between passengers and Technical Supervision. In the event of an incident, passengers can initiate contact via an easily visible button.
Field team
As with other public transport services, a team of technical specialists is available at KIRA in the event of unplanned incidents and can resolve any problems on site.
Technology
Science and
consultancy
realisation
industry
A strong partner network from transport, technology, government, industry and science for the public transport of the future
KIRA is a research and development project. Strong partners characterised by a willingness to innovate and dedication are crucial to its success. Each project partner contributes its own expertise, products and services.
News
Das bestehende Gebiet des Pilotprojekts KIRA vergrößert sich um den Darmstädter Norden / Nach drei Monaten Betrieb mehr als 1.000 zugelassene Testnutzerinnen und Testnutzer / Fahrten werden als komfortabel und sicher bewertet
-
mehr erfahren
Zum ersten Mal in Deutschland fahren Passagiere auf Automatisierungsstufe Level 4 / Shuttles verkehren im Rhein-Main-Gebiet in Langen und Egelsbach (Kreis Offenbach) / Buchung der Fahrten per App
-
mehr erfahren
Erstmals sind Shuttles auf Automatisierungsstufe Level 4 unterwegs / Testbetrieb
läuft ab sofort im Rhein-Main-Gebiet
-
mehr erfahren
FAQs about autonomous driving with KIRA
Autonomous driving – general information
Registration, booking and utilisation
Operations and service
Safety
Contact
Would you like to contact us or do you have additional questions?
- Representatives of the press should please contact pressestelle@rmv.de or presse@deutschebahn.com
- General questions: Please use our contact form