Jacksonville Transportation Authority Receives Custom Autonomous Solution From Beep, Local Motors and Robotic Research

First Olli 2.0 in the U.S. delivered to JTA Test & Learn track

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Sep 15, 2020, 09:00 ET

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept., 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) welcomed its newest autonomous vehicle into the JTA Test & Learn program with the Olli 2.0 from Beep, Local Motors by LM Industries and Robotic Research LLC.

The Olli 2.0 was delivered to Jacksonville in late August through a partnership with Beep, a Florida-based autonomous Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) provider, Local Motors by LM Industries, the world's first and only digital vehicle manufacture, and Robotic Research LLC, one of the world's leading connected, autonomous technology providers. This is Local Motor's first electric, autonomous, 3D-printed shuttle to be built in the United States. It will lead the next phase of the JTA's Test & Learn activities at Florida State College at Jacksonville's Cecil Center Campus and the JTA's Armsdale Test & Learn facilities.

This is the fifth autonomous vehicle the JTA has tested since it launched its Ultimate Urban Circulator program in 2017. The U²C program will transform and modernize the existing Skyway APM system in Downtown Jacksonville to support autonomous vehicles and related technologies. The multi-phase program includes the full conversion of the existing Skyway infrastructure and neighborhood expansions through ground-level connections, creating a 10-mile urban transit network.

"When we first announced our plan to retire the Skyway trains and replace them with autonomous vehicles, the JTA set the goal to keep up with the latest advancements. Receiving the first Olli 2.0 shuttle in the United States is proof of that commitment," said JTA Chief Executive Officer, Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. "The delivery of the Olli 2.0 at our Test & Learn track marks the next step in shaping the future of public transportation– not just in Jacksonville, but nationally."

Beep's long-standing relationship as an autonomous shuttle service provider to the JTA's Test & Learn program and a recent supplier agreement with Local Motors enabled the integration of the Olli 2.0 with the JTA's existing Test and & Learn program. Beep will ensure the smooth, safe and seamless operation of the Olli 2.0 in Jacksonville and, with Robotic Research, will support the team in extending its knowledge of evolving AV technologies.

"Beep, Local Motors and Robotic Research are each uniquely positioned to design, develop and deploy custom solutions that best meet the needs of their customers. We're confident our partnership will present the most advanced autonomous platforms to JTA as they explore the options available to support the transformation of mobility in downtown Jacksonville," said Joe Moye, CEO of Beep.

"Deploying the first Olli 2.0 in the U.S. is a huge milestone for Local Motors and supports our mission to provide autonomous, accessible and connected mobility for all," said Vikrant Aggarwal, president of Local Motors. "The JTA Ultimate Urban Circulator is an innovative project, and this deployment will showcase the proven benefits of Olli at a time when autonomous mobility solutions are needed now more than ever. We have worked very closely with Beep since recently announcing our strategic partnership in July, and we hope that this deployment is the first of many in the months to come."

Local Motors' Olli 2.0 is equipped with Robotic Research's AutoDrive® Autonomy kit, which provides driver-warning, driver-assist and connected autonomous functionality in urban, mixed-traffic roadways as well as campus environments, utilizing V2X technologies. Robotic Research's nSight® family of products provide an end-to-end data collection-to-analysis pipeline to better enhance the future of autonomous vehicles and transportation.

"We're honored to demonstrate the safety and performance of our AutoDrive autonomy kit for the JTA," said Alberto Lacaze, president of Robotic Research. "The solution we're deploying with Local Motors and Beep blends decades of experience and cutting-edge innovation to provide versatile autonomous performance, which is essential to meeting our customer's ambitious and innovative goals."

About the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA)

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is an independent state agency serving Duval County, with multi-modal responsibilities. The JTA designs and constructs bridges and highways and provides varied mass transit services. These include express and regular bus service, monorail, ferry and on-demand services. The JTA serves the largest city in the continental U.S. in terms of landmass. An integrated transportation network is a critical element in any community to properly manage growth, provide mobility and offer a good quality of life. Learn more at www.jtafla.com

About Beep

Beep is an autonomous mobility solution company delivering the next generation of services for passenger mobility to fleet operators in planned communities and low speed environments across the public and private sector, including transportation hubs, medical and university campuses, town centers and more. From route planning to interactive managed services, Beep's offerings are designed to drive differentiation and innovation, and delight the passengers of our customers.

For more information visit: www.go-beep.com

About Local Motors by LM Industries

Local Motors by LM Industries Group Inc. is a ground mobility company focused on shaping the future for the better. Founded in 2007 with a belief in open collaboration and co-creation, Local Motors began low volume vehicle manufacturing of open-source designs using multiple microfactories. Since inception, Local Motors has debuted no less than three world firsts; the world's first co-created vehicle, the world's first 3D-printed car and the world's first co-created, self-driving, electric vehicle, Olli. We believe that Olli is the answer to a sustainable, accessible transportation solution for all. For more information visit localmotors.com

About Robotic Research

Robotic Research, LLC, is a leading provider of autonomy and robotic technology driving the transformation of commercial and government autonomous operations through innovative and intelligent systems. Whether providing autonomous vehicles to the military to keep the warfighter safe; delivering unmanned, transformable robots to extend the reach of Special Forces units; or making commercial transportation safer and more efficient, Robotic Research is leading this dynamic revolution in technology. To learn more about Robotic Research, visit www.roboticresearch.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Media Contacts:

David Cawton

Jacksonville Transportation Authority

(904) 239-7989

[email protected]

Erica Olson

Merit Mile for Beep

561-362-8888

[email protected]

LaunchSquad

Local Motors by LM Industries

(212) 564-3665