28 “As a software-focused company, especially at that time as a startup, WeRide has a simpler report structure and workflow. Being fast to respond, quickly iterative and innovative is our genetic makeup. Therefore, Yutong and WeRide have worked tightly to find the balance, meanwhile discovering that this is also a great practice for mutual complementation.” On a technical level, adding a wave of new sensors, processing power and redundant systems significantly increased Robobus’ energy consumption, driving the installation of a larger, heavier battery pack. Additionally, the onboard signal network was revamped to cover areas such as the data buses between the main computer and the new infotainment display system, with Yutong and WeRide working closely to define the interfaces between those and other systems, and also to optimise them for simplicity, efficiency and integrity of data carrying. As well as optimising wireless communications so that remote monitoring and – where necessary – teleoperation can always run smoothly, one of the last items that WeRide added to version two were connectors to quickly plug in or remove a set of steering wheels and brake paddles. The removable steering wheel and brake paddle are designed to give full control of the vehicle, which are used in some situations such as road-testing new traction or steering systems (where running via autonomy or teleoperation are unnecessary), or taking over as a final safeguard in trials of redundant systems should the backups fail to kick in upon the failure or deactivation of the main system. Thanks to the improvements between Robobus versions one and two, the former’s software-locked speed limit of 15 kph could be increased to 40 kph in the latter, which could also operate in open, public streets, unlike the first version, which was confined to private roads. “We like to think of today’s Robobus as ‘Version 2+’ as the minibus has stayed mostly the same, with just a few upgrades in terms of Lidar hardware and software algorithms to enhance performance,” Liu says. “But the vehicle body, structure and anatomy has largely stayed the same from version two.” Shaping Robobus At a high level, the Robobus is designed similarly to other minibuses and shuttles. It is a single-floor vehicle with four backward-facing seats and six forward-facing seats (typically arranged in three rows). Additional floor space is available for passengers either standing (although they must be seated with safety belts October/November 2024 | Uncrewed Systems Technology An infotainment display sits in the cabin ceiling towards the front, with an additional TV screen showing route progress and information for passengers The battery pack and BMS integrated at the rear of the cabin, rather than in the floor, allow us to have a very low floor and ride height. That’s important
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