Optimus Ride and Polaris Collaborate on Autonomous Electric Vehicles

Optimus Ride, a provider of autonomous electric mobility solutions, has formed a strategic alliance with Polaris, a leading powersports vehicle manufacturer. This collaboration aims to introduce a new range of fully autonomous GEM electric vehicles to the market.

The jointly developed vehicles will feature Polaris’ low-speed vehicle platform, seamlessly integrated with Optimus Ride’s comprehensive suite of autonomous software and hardware.

Deployment and Target Environments

The initial market release of these microtransit vehicles is anticipated in the latter half of 2023. Deployment will initially focus on controlled, geofenced areas.

These localized environments include corporate campuses, university settings, and mixed-use developments, offering convenient transportation options within these specific zones.

Competitive Landscape and Strategic Approach

While major players like Waymo (Alphabet), Uber, Ford, Motional, and Cruise (GM) are heavily invested in autonomous vehicle technology for delivery and ride-hailing, Optimus Ride is pursuing a different path.

CEO Sean Harrington believes a phased approach – starting within geofenced environments and expanding as the technology matures – provides a significant market advantage.

Existing Operations and Testing

Optimus Ride has already deployed approximately 30 Polaris GEM vehicles equipped with its autonomous technology.

These vehicles are currently operational in commercial ride-hailing services across several locations, including Brooklyn, Boston, California, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia, as well as undergoing rigorous testing procedures.

Testing facilities are located near the company’s Boston Seaport headquarters and at the Union Point closed track in South Weymouth, Massachusetts.

Future Expansion Plans

The company intends to broaden its existing partnerships, such as the collaboration with real estate firm Brookfield Properties in Washington, D.C., and venture into new markets.

Harrington specifically highlighted academic campuses as a key area for future expansion.

Vehicle Functionality and User Experience

The GEM vehicles offer a versatile mobility solution for visitors, residents, and employees, combining both fixed-route and on-demand service options.

They facilitate transportation around designated sites and, in some instances, connect to regional transit hubs and surrounding areas.

“At our D.C. Brookfield campus, users can utilize the Opti Ride app to schedule rides and reserve seats on the shuttle,” explained Harrington.

“Conversely, in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, we operate on a predetermined schedule and along a fixed route.”

Vehicle Capacity and Autonomy Level

Currently, the microtransit vehicles can accommodate four passengers, with a safety operator present in the front row.

With the next generation of GEMs, which will eliminate the need for steering wheels and brake pedals, the passenger capacity will increase to six.

Both the existing and upcoming vehicle models operate at Level 4 autonomy, signifying the ability to function without human intervention.

Advanced Technological Capabilities

Despite operating within geofenced environments, these vehicles possess a comprehensive understanding of their surroundings.

“The system incorporates a complete perception stack utilizing both lidar and computer vision, alongside situational awareness, object classification and tracking, and sophisticated planning and motion control algorithms,” stated Harrington.

“The advantage of the geofence lies in our ability to create high-definition maps for these locations and predictably account for all anticipated traffic scenarios.

Operating within a defined environment allows for rapid achievement of high safety and performance standards, as opposed to developing a vehicle expected to function flawlessly in all conditions, everywhere.”