The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) welcomed its newest autonomous vehicle into its 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, digital vehicle manufacturer Local Motors by LM Industries, and Robotic Research LLC. This is Local Motor’s first electric, autonomous, 3D-printed shuttle to be built in the U.S. 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 CEO 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.

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.