The Need

Cities and large campuses struggle to provide cost‑effective, low‑emission mobility for short trips and first/last‑mile connections. Fixed‑route buses are often underutilized in low‑demand areas yet insufficient during peak demand, while single‑vehicle autonomous shuttles lack scalability and efficiency. Current shared mobility systems cannot dynamically adjust vehicle capacity in real time to match fluctuating passenger demand without increasing congestion, operating costs, or emissions.

The Technology

OSU engineers have developed the solution of small, electric autonomous pods carrying 2–4 passengers to dynamically couple and decouple into variable‑length “pod trains.” Pods can operate independently or coordinate as a single unit through mechanical coupling or close‑proximity electronic platooning. A central dispatch and optimization framework continuously determines when pods should merge or separate, routes them accordingly, and balances ride‑hailing demand, capacity, and traffic conditions in real time.

Commercial Applications

• First/last‑mile connections to bus, metro, and rail networks
• Autonomous circulators for university, corporate, or industrial campuses
• Mobility services in outdoor shopping districts and mixed‑use developments
• Event and stadium transportation linking venues to remote parking areas

Benefits/Advantages

• Demand‑adaptive capacity: Vehicle size dynamically scales to real‑time ridership needs
• Lower operating cost: Fewer empty seats compared to fixed‑route or fixed‑size vehicles
• Energy and emissions efficiency: Shared propulsion and coordinated driving reduce energy use
• Flexible deployment: Supports both independent pod operation and bus‑like service on main corridors