Today, unmanned transport in developing many companies in different countries. There are similar projects in Russia. One of them is unmanned passenger electric minibus “Matryoshka” (West, the name is stylized MatrЕshka), developed by the specialists of Volgabus and Bakulin Motors Group. Of course, once again we can assume that the fate of the electric car will repeat the story of the infamous Marussia or E-mobile, but it’s quite possible that “Matryoshka” is still on sale and even achieve some success.
On the withdrawal of modular unmanned minibus on public roads is out of the question. We all know the terrible truth about our roads, which is unlikely to handle even the most attentive and advanced autopilot. Initially the “Doll” was planned as passenger trucks for closed territories, for example, to transport people within large enterprises, technology parks, airports and other large open spaces. After the transport good in these conditions will be decided whether to display it on public roads and streets of cities.
By the end of 2016 were collected five existing samples of “Matryoshka”, which began testing on a special test site in “SKOLKOVO”. In the same year, the test made on the streets of St. Petersburg and Sochi. The creators of “Matryoshka” argue that not trying to create an analogue autopilot like that presented in the Tesla. It only assists the driver in providing a partial containment. “Matryoshka” originally designed as a fully Autonomous modular vehicles. In one of the models even have traditional places for the driver (although large manned model will also be released), and instead of the back and windshield glass will be installed interactive screens.
Technical characteristics of the bus provide the motor with power 45 kW, providing up to 7000 rpm, and battery (LIFEPO4) 32 kW·h On a full battery charge Matryoshka able to travel up to 130 miles at speeds not exceeding 30 km/h, which is enough to transport passengers around an enclosed area (for example: speed unmanned vans in the London airport does not exceed 40 km/h). The transport capacity is 1300 pounds, and the total weight with the add – 2800 kgs. The dimensions of the “nesting Dolls” is equal to 4.6 x 1.7 x 2.5 m.
Mass production of the “Doll” will begin in the fall of 2017 at the factory in the Vladimir region. Initially the cost 8-12-seater buses will be from 6.5 to 10 million rubles, but in the future expect the price to be reduced to 3-3. 5 million. In Russia today there is no legal basis for using unmanned vehicles, so the manufacturer have to solve many more important organizational issues.
#video | Russian unmanned elektroavtomat “Matryoshka” testing on the roads of Sochi
Sergey Grey