BMVI Supports Autonomous Cargo Bike from IAV: Federal Minister of Transport Scheuer Hands Over Funding Certificate

17.12.2020  — 

A smart solution for the last mile in logistics: Berlin-based engineering specialist IAV is working together with the Research Center for Information Technology (FZI) on an intelligent and connected e-Cargobike that recognizes its rider and follows them autonomously. The project now has support from the state: The German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure is funding the second phase of the electric Cargobike’s development. Now, Federal Minister of Transport Andreas Scheuer presented the funding certificate to IAV at a digital conference.

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A smart solution for the last mile in logistics: Berlin-based engineering specialist IAV is working together with the Research Center for Information Technology (FZI) on an intelligent and connected e-Cargobike that recognizes its rider and follows them autonomously. The project now has support from the state: The German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure is funding the second phase of the electric Cargobike’s development. Now, Federal Minister of Transport Andreas Scheuer presented the funding certificate to IAV at a digital conference.

December 14, 2020 – Berlin. With the support of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, IAV and the FZI in Karlsruhe, together with their project partners, are embarking on the next stage in the development of the Cargobike – an important step towards the targeted readiness for series production of the e-bike, which is intended to make work easier for delivery services and logistics service providers. In this second phase of the project, the steering and braking systems, which had so far been outsourced, will each be replaced by components developed in-house. This will significantly reduce the overall weight of the bike and improve its handling characteristics. In addition, the new components will make the switch between autonomous and normal operation smoother. In addition, the software of the Cargobike will be further developed.

“With the Cargobike, we are developing a sustainable and connected solution for last-mile delivery in urban environments. We are delighted to receive funding from the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, which will give an important boost to the further development of the Cargobike as a new element of an interconnected and intelligent fleet,” says Simon Heine, Senior Vice President for Chassis and Suspension at IAV.

The Cargobike, which is equipped with an electric motor, recognizes a pre-registered rider via a follow-me camera function and follows them independently at walking pace – eliminating the need for constant mounting and dismounting or pushing when delivering mail, for example. The Digital Service Assistant (DiSA) also enables interconnected fleet management with intelligent route and deployment planning. This also allows the most important operating and maintenance parameters to be viewed and evaluated – at any time and anywhere in the world.

At CES 2020, IAV presented a prototype of the Cargobike for the first time, which is intended for later use in various industries. Logistics companies and mail carriers could use it for their daily work and stow letters and parcels in the bike’s access-secured box. Particularly on factory premises, it would be a good idea to automate logistics tasks with the support of the Cargobike – thus alleviating workflows and saving costs.

About IAV:

Employing over 8,000 members of staff, IAV is one of the world’s leading engineering partners to the automotive industry. The company has been developing innovative concepts and technologies for future vehicles for over 35 years, generating sales in excess of € 1 billion in 2019. Its customers include all the world’s prominent car manufacturers and component suppliers. Besides vehicle and powertrain development, IAV entered the segment of electric mobility and autonomous driving at an early stage and is now one of the leading engineering service providers in these fields. In addition to its development centers in Berlin, Gifhorn and Chemnitz/Stollberg, IAV also has further operations in Munich, Sindelfingen and Ingolstadt as well as in Europe, Asia and North and South America.