Media Advisory: Self-driving shuttle, Olli, to make Buffalo debut Thursday

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Olli has arrived.

The self-driving shuttle, which advances New York State as a hub for autonomous vehicle research, will make its Buffalo debut with a series of demonstrations at the University at Buffalo’s North Campus on Thursday.

Olli is UB’s first self-driving vehicle, and the news media is invited to take a ride in it.

Where: Center for Tomorrow parking lot on UB’s North Campus. Here’s a map: http://www.buffalo.edu/home/visiting-ub/CampusMaps/maps.html#CFT.

When: Noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 9

Who: State officials, including representatives from the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT); representatives from Local Motors, the company that developed Olli; UB administrators and researchers.

About Olli: Local Motors describes the shuttle as the “world’s first co-created, self-driving, electric shuttle.” The shuttle at UB is mostly 3D printed, and it’s capable of seating eight passengers.

What are UB’s plans for Olli?

Researchers will use Olli — as well as other vehicles and simulators — to conduct comprehensive testing of autonomous and connected vehicles on designated roads and parking lots on UB’s North Campus. The goal is to inform decisions regarding policy, safety, reliability and other next-generation transportation issues.

There are no plans to use the shuttle to transport students; however, researchers will study the feasibility and benefits of using self-driving vehicles to transport students on UB campuses, including the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.