Image: Fraunhofer IAO/Gabriel ParsyakThe IZSMO project, short for Institutszentrum Stuttgart Mobility, focuses on corporate mobility and aims to enhance the commuting experience of Fraunhofer IZS employees. Its goal is to make existing car-dominated commuter traffic measurably more climate-friendly, comfortable, and efficient by integrating other modes of transport.A key element of the project involves the transformation of a portion of the campus parking infrastructure. Around 700 existing parking spaces on the Fraunhofer campus will be partially converted into a central Mobility Hub. In the future, this hub will offer free shared bicycles, a Hopper (a two-seater cabin bicycle with a boot), cargo bikes, and e-scooters, as well as storage spaces for private bicycles. It will also provide charging infrastructure for micromobility, a bicycle service station, and smart lockers for helmets and bags. Additionally, carpooling will be encouraged through reserved parking spaces and the platform “Stuttgart fährt mit”, which is designed to promote ride-sharing among employees.The standout feature, however, is the autonomous electric shuttle BumbleB, first unveiled by the engineering service provider Bertrandt last autumn. Since mid-April, the minibus has been operating on a trial basis across the IZS campus. In the long term, BumbleB is expected to operate autonomously and without barriers in real-world conditions, covering the route between the IZS campus and the ‘Universität’ S-Bahn station. Both employees and visitors will be able to use the e-shuttle free of charge. This is expected to significantly reduce the current 15-minute walk many Fraunhofer employees face between the S-Bahn station and the Fraunhofer IZS, although the project organisers have not yet specified the exact time savings.“The IZSMO project is the first to deliver a groundbreaking component for the future type approval of autonomous shuttles in public transport,” said Christopher Legner, a research associate at Esslingen University, in a German statement. Philipp Franke, Head of Department at the Ministry of Transport Baden-Württemberg, adds: “Our goal is clear: Baden-Württemberg is taking the next step in autonomous driving – moving away from individual projects towards widespread application. This lays the foundation for future mobility while sustainably strengthening our local automotive industry. Given the impending shortage of drivers in public transport, it is crucial to advance new mobility solutions. This ensures reliable services in urban and rural areas alike and enables mobility freedom for all, including people with limited mobility.”The IZSMO project is led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO and Esslingen University. It is funded by the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) and is part of the “mobil gewinnt” initiative for corporate mobility management by the Federal Ministry of Transport.fraunhofer.de (DE)
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