Technology
KIRA sends electric robotaxis with test users to Darmstadt, Germany
In a significant step for the future of European mobility, the KIRA project—a pioneering German public transport initiative—has officially expanded its fleet of autonomous electric robotaxis to the city of Darmstadt. This strategic expansion connects the city centre directly with the surrounding rural communities of Langen and Egelsbach, moving the ambitious pilot project closer to its goal of creating a seamless, on-demand public transport network.
The service, which launched with test users three months ago in the Offenbach district south of Frankfurt, has now reached its full intended operational scope. Initiated by Germany’s Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund (RMV) and Deutsche Bahn (DB), KIRA represents a concerted effort to bridge the gap between traditional fixed-route public transport and the flexibility of personal vehicles. At its core, the project explores how autonomous vehicles can fill critical service gaps, particularly in suburban and rural areas where conventional buses and trains are less frequent or economically viable.
A Glimpse into the Future of Transit
What sets the KIRA project apart from other autonomous shuttle trials in Germany is its operational model. Unlike fixed-route autonomous buses that operate on dedicated lanes, the KIRA vehicles—a fleet of Nio ES8 electric SUVs—move freely in mixed public traffic. Equipped with a sophisticated suite of LiDAR sensors, cameras, and powered by Mobileye's self-driving software, these vehicles operate at Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Level 4 automation. This means they are designed to perform all driving tasks and monitor the environment independently on predefined routes, without human intervention.
However, as a precautionary measure during this test phase, safety drivers monitor the vehicles' operations remotely from a central control centre. This model allows for the rigorous testing of the technology while maintaining a high standard of public safety.
The service is currently accessible to a curated group of over 1,000 registered test users. These individuals can hail a ride using the dedicated KIRA app, which functions similarly to ride-hailing services but is integrated into the broader public transport ecosystem. Project organizers plan to gradually admit more participants based on demand and the availability of the six-vehicle fleet.
Ambitious Goals and Practical Realities
The vision driving KIRA is the creation of a fully integrated, flexible door-to-door mobility solution. Officials from RMV and DB see autonomous on-demand services as a key to making public transport more attractive and efficient.
"With Darmstadt, the KIRA service area links rural areas directly to the city," explained Prof. Knut Ringat, CEO of Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund. "Registered passengers can, for example, take a direct trip between Darmstadt main station and Egelsbach. Our pilot tests how to make public mobility available everywhere and anytime, which is a key part of our vision for autonomous public transport in Germany."
This vision addresses a common challenge: providing adequate service during off-peak hours or in less densely populated regions where traditional on-demand shuttles with human drivers are costly to operate. The long-term goal is for autonomous services like KIRA to complement existing transit options, creating a more resilient and responsive network.
A Collaborative Effort Facing Real-World Hurdles
The KIRA project is a complex collaboration between public and private entities. DB Regio Bus Mitte operates the physical fleet, while the DB subsidiary ioki provides the essential booking and dynamic routing software. The self-driving technology, including the crucial HD maps and sensor hardware, is supplied by Intel's Mobileye. Renowned research institutions, including the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), and the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV), are also involved, studying the societal, technical, and economic impacts of the service.
Despite its forward-looking nature, the project has not been immune to setbacks. It is currently running approximately a year behind its original schedule. Deutsche Bahn had initially announced the first tests (without passengers) for May 2023, but they only commenced in mid-2024. The primary reason for the delay was the insolvency of CleverShuttle, a former DB subsidiary that was integral to the project's initial planning. This event necessitated a restructuring and delayed the crucial approval process with the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA).
Since their eventual launch in June 2024, the six electric shuttles have proven their operational mettle, covering a combined distance of more than 60,000 kilometres. During their operating hours from Wednesday to Friday (09:30–15:30), the fleet averages over one trip per hour, demonstrating consistent use and gathering invaluable real-world data.
The test phase, which is supported by approximately €2.2 million in funding from the German federal and Hesse state governments, is scheduled to run until the end of 2025. The insights gained from this pilot will be critical in shaping the regulatory framework and business models for the future of autonomous public transportation across Germany and beyond.
