Fraunhofer Institute for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems IVIA glimpse into the future of public transport: vehicles that move autonomously within a depot—from the parking space to the car wash, then on to the charging station—without any drivers. This is made possible by combining precise positioning, wireless communication, and intelligent control software. In view of rising costs and the increasing shortage of skilled workers, the digitalization and automation of operational processes in public transport are becoming increasingly important.
Technical innovation for smooth depot operations
This is where the IDEA – Innovative Depot Automation research project comes in: The aim of the project was to combine functionalities for locating and communication in a 5G campus network to enable vehicles to be precisely located and controlled in a targeted manner. In the future, this will allow them to navigate autonomously to parking spaces, car wash spots, or charging stations – without the need for drivers. The project demonstrates how depot automation can be implemented efficiently and with a reasonable investment volume.
Algorithms for precise lane guidance control
On behalf of the project partners MRK Management Consultants GmbH, PSI Transcom GmbH, and TU Dresden (Chair of Vehicle Mechatronics and Chair of Information Technology for Transportation Systems), Fraunhofer IVI contributed the helyOS® software framework and algorithms for lane guidance control. The open-source solution helyOS® acts as a central hub for networking fleets of mobile machines, assigning them missions, and monitoring them. In the IDEA project, helyOS® served as the interface between the depot management system and the automated vehicles. Optimally coordinated control algorithms enabled the precise control of an automated Mercedes Benz Citaro G Hybrid articulated bus in the depot and was successfully presented at the final demonstration in Torgau on June 3, 2025.
Greater efficiency and future prospects
By using the open-source platform helyOS®, Fraunhofer IVI has demonstrated in the IDEA project how depot processes can be automated flexibly and efficiently. However, the approach has potential that extends far beyond the depot: We want to be able to intelligently control entire vehicle fleets, link depot automation with smart charging, and thus make optimal use of energy flows. Together with our partners, we will test these technologies in further practical projects and actively contribute to their standardization. In this way, we are creating the conditions for automation in public transport to become not only technically feasible, but also widely applicable in economic terms.