MATRЁSHKA - modular unmanned commercial transport

Literally just been introduced the concept of modular electric Russian company Volgabus, which manufactures buses. To be precise, the development of a subsidiary of BMG (Bakulin Motors Group) created by the owner Volgabus Alexey Bakulin. But in spite of the status of a "concept" project development is well underway and already iduft tests in the "Skolkovo".
Let's examine this concept more together.

The modular concept offers us three options for using it:



But the first in a series to be exactly to the passenger, probably as the most theoretically demanded.
Transport consists of three modules, extreme contain all the stuffing from the battery to the motor and to the autopilot, yes, you read all right, everything is in a trend this season. The central module performs the function of a load.



Such a layout scheme allows replacement of modules in a very short period of time, for example to replace the module with a dead battery and the speedy dispatch of transport in the future running of the route.

Autopilot suggests the possibility of using the clock, as well as security and autonomy. This will set up control centers to monitor the movement of transport serviceability of his work, as well as communication with passengers.



Specifications:

Electric motor, the power of 45 kW (140 Nm) to 7,000 rpm.
The battery is 32 kWh (LIFEPO4)
Run at full charge to 130 km
Speed ​​is limited to 30 km / h
Payload 1300 kg
The total weight of 2800 kg with a superstructure
Length 4 6 m, width 1, 7 meters, height - 2, 5 m (passenger version)

Production promise to establish in the Vladimir region in the autumn of 2017
There will also be applications for iOS and Android to get the necessary information about the routes and tracking vehicle location. (Pro WP / WM of course, and there is not heard ...)
Transport wheel drive chassis, electrical. For the management of the operating system meets the ROS (Robotis Operation Systems), while more detailed information is not, as for example on the work and the autopilot device, while 80% stated that the vehicle components produced in Russia.

That's such an unexpected project from domestic companies.
But the interesting topic of autopilots and public transport will feel something familiar in this project and will be right!



Not so long ago, Local Motors introduced its own project of autonomous vehicle, which is very similar to the concept described in this article. Yes, it is not modular, but otherwise it is very similar - compact dimensions, the layout of seats, electric, autopilot. And as Musk declared that Tesla company started to develop its own bus, which is similar to the description of these projects.
Apparently this is a new trend and a milestone in the development of public transport.

I think as readers MATRЁSHKA name has caused a number of associations, for example with the E-Mobile or Marussia. Both were loud startups start and ignominious end, I hope this project does not suffer the same fate, because all the same for the project is a company with a long history and experience, rather than showmen and oligarchs.