My Love Affair with Autonomous Vehicles Continues

On June 19, 2019, I took my first autonomous vehicle ride operating in streets with moving cars, trucks, cyclists, and pedestrians, while I attended the official Olli Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Program Launch ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (JBMHH), in Arlington, Va.

Olli—the first co-created self-driving, 3D-printed, electric shuttle vehicle, made by IMTS emerging technology partner Local Motors (LM) Industries—is now shuttling people in a 90-day pilot program on the base.  

A Fleet of Olli Vehicles at JBMHH: Visited by hundreds of people per day, JBMHH is comprised of dozens of buildings. Olli vehicles are operating and making stops throughout the base, offering access to frequented buildings such as the library, dining hall, community facility, chapel, health clinic, and child development center.

How’s the ride?: Stepping into the Olli was like stepping into a sleek, friendly-looking, modern amusement ride. Seven of us were greeted by an Olli attendant—a real person monitoring the vehicle’s functions who can stop and control the vehicle if needed. Each of us took a seat furnished along all sides of the vehicle, except the side door. Thanks to its design, everyone had plenty of room, a window seat, and great views. Ollie is also designed for standing room.

The electric Olli traveled a smooth, two-mile loop quietly along the paved main street at 10-25 mph. It stopped at stop signs and crosswalks. Vehicles passed in the opposite lane. It slowed when cyclists and pedestrians appeared nearby. There is a screen inside the Olli that shows you what it is "seeing." The best part was chatting and connecting with the other passengers—all of us meeting for the first time.

For more on my visit and the ceremony, read my detailed article, From Emerging Technology at IMTS to Main Street, Olli is Rolling in the IMTS Insider e-newsletter.

Olli Comes from Personal Pledge to Save Lives: At the ceremony, the most powerful and heartfelt speech came from Jay Rogers, LM Industries Co-Founder and CEO, a former U.S. Marine, who shared his inspirational story. While serving in the Iraq War, he pledged to himself that when his tour ended, he would find a way to bring technology faster to the armed services to save lives. He named two soldiers with whom he worked closely and who died in Iraq, one of whom is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

More Than Just Transportation: Connecting people to people and places is what Olli is about. From military and university campuses to urban city centers, Olli is more than transportation. Riders can connect with each other, and even ask Olli for restaurant suggestions as it is equipped with IBM Watson technology.

Want to connect with Olli? Visit www.LocalMotors.com/Meet-Olli/ or follow on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

DAVID Started It! In 2004, I worked with Team ENSCO, led by Gary Carr, who was sponsored by a defense contractor and a participant in the DARPA Grand Challenge. (I helped with marketing and promoting the event.) Our first vehicle, DAVID, made it one mile. In 2005, Team ENSCO’s vehicle DEXTER, traveled much farther—maybe 40 miles—I just can’t remember. I do remember DARPA officials saying they wanted autonomous vehicles by 2020. Way to go technologists!

It's Personal: My interest in self-driving vehicles is intensely personal: we have an 18-year-old son with physical limitations. We are on the lookout for self-driving wheelchairs and walkers to give him more independence. After all, he knows where he wants to go, he just can’t get there. So, if you know or hear about any self-driving mobility options, let me know.