Driverless Vehicle Operates as a Shuttle, Delivery Vehicle, or Mobile Service Unit

Separate Drive Platform and Application Driverless Vehicle Operates as a Shuttle, Delivery Vehicle, or Mobile Service Unit

2026-07-01 From Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Hendrik Härter | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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A driverless vehicle concept quickly and automatically adapts to different tasks. By consistently separating highly complex drive technology (drive board) from function-specific structures (capsules), the system enables 24/7 operation in changing use scenarios.

By separating the drive board and application, the driverless vehicle U-Shift II becomes a versatile multi-talent for shuttle and logistics services.(Image: KIT) — By separating the drive board and application, the driverless vehicle U-Shift II becomes a versatile multi-talent for shuttle and logistics services.
(Image: KIT)

The separation of chassis and body, known in logistics as a so-called swap body, is now being transferred to autonomous, electric units by the U-Shift II research project. In the presence of Baden-Württemberg's Minister of Economic Affairs, Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, the KIT, the DLR, the University of Ulm (Germany), and the FKFS presented the latest generation of this modular vehicle concept. The system consists of a highly integrated "driveboard" and function-specific capsules that are coupled fully automatically.

The highly precise maneuvering and coupling of the driveboard and capsules is a key function to enable the modular approach of U-Shift. (Image:DLR)

Mechatronic Centerpiece with Wheel Hub Motors

The flat drive board functions as an autonomous functional unit. Technically interesting for developers is the concentration of all drive- and control-relevant components in the smallest possible space:

Drive: Four electric wheel hub motors provide high maneuverability and create space for the battery packs in the underfloor area.
Lifting mechanism: A chassis developed at the Institute of Vehicle System Technology (FAST) integrates a lifting mechanism that autonomously picks up capsules without external infrastructure.
Control: The Research Institute of Automotive Engineering and Vehicle Engines Stuttgart (FKFS) is responsible for central control, monitoring, and energy supply.

Digital Handshake and OTA Capability

The drive module (Driveboard) of the U-Shift system automatically couples with an interchangeable capsule, forming the basis for various applications.(Image: KIT) — The drive module (Driveboard) of the U-Shift system automatically couples with an interchangeable capsule, forming the basis for various applications.
(Image: KIT)

A critical point of modular systems is the interface between the base and the structure. To address this, the Institute of Information Processing Technology (ITIV) at KIT developed a flexible control center. As soon as the driveboard moves under a capsule, a digital handshake occurs. The software-based architecture identifies the capsule type (passenger transport, logistics, or service unit) and dynamically adjusts the driving parameters and sensor configuration. The entire system software is designed for over-the-air updates (OTA), enabling continuous optimization of operating strategies.

A look into the passenger capsule: The modular vehicle concept enables various application scenarios, ranging from passenger transport to logistics.(Image: KIT) — A look into the passenger capsule: The modular vehicle concept enables various application scenarios, ranging from passenger transport to logistics.
(Image: KIT)

The requirements for environmental detection in the U-Shift II are twofold: during driving, the system operates as an autonomous Level 4 vehicle, while during the docking process, millimeter-level precision is required. The University of Ulm (Germany) implemented a multi-sensor concept consisting of cameras, radar, and lidar. The data processing algorithms must precisely plan the driving movements while maneuvering under the capsule. A mechanical locking system developed by DLR completes the coupling process with a positive fit, while the sensors continuously monitor the correct locking.

Economic Relevance and Technology Transfer

With funding of ten million euros from the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Labour, and Tourism of Baden-Württemberg, U-Shift II primarily aims at technology transfer. "Innovation is the key to tomorrow's automotive value creation," emphasizes Minister Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut. The project is intended to serve as a blueprint for specialized autonomous applications, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

U-Shift II demonstrates how decoupling hardware (driveboard) and application software (capsule function) increases efficiency. The appeal of the development lies in the standardization of interfaces. If a universal driveboard becomes an industry standard, value creation will shift significantly towards specialized application capsules and their electronic integration.

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