The ULTIMO project made a powerful impression at the European Conference on Connected and Automated Driving (EUCAD) 2025, held in Ispra, Italy, from May 13 to 15. With a dynamic presence across multiple panels, workshops, and live demonstrations, ULTIMO highlighted its leadership in shaping the future of Level 4 (L4) autonomous mobility in Europe.
A Highlight: Autonomous Shuttle Rides with Navya Vehicles
One of the standout features of ULTIMO’s participation was the live demonstration of autonomous public transport using two Navya shuttles. These vehicles offered conference attendees the unique opportunity to experience L4 autonomous driving firsthand—without a visible safety driver intervening, though one was discreetly on board. The rides were supported by advanced AI-based safety systems, remote technical monitoring, and real-time supervision, showcasing the project’s commitment to safe and scalable autonomous mobility.
The demonstration was not only a technical success but also a powerful symbol of how far autonomous public transport has come. It sparked enthusiasm among passengers and stakeholders alike, reinforcing the importance of continued innovation and collaboration in this field.
Strong Representation in Key Panels and Workshops
ULTIMO was prominently featured in several high-level sessions throughout the conference:
Cybersecurity and Digital Infrastructure: Panels on advancing CCAM cybersecurity and harmonizing HD maps drew large audiences, with ULTIMO experts sharing insights on overcoming current challenges and building resilient digital ecosystems.
Mission-Oriented Approaches: We emphasized the need to engage smaller and medium-sized public transport authorities (PTAs) and operators (PTOs) in the transition to CCAM.
Scaling Demonstrations: Lars Abeler called for stronger joint efforts across Europe to achieve maturity in L4 public transport, underlining the importance of collaboration across the AV ecosystem.
Strategic Vision for 2030 and Beyond: Moderated by John McSweeney and Emilie Blotiere, this session explored how automated mobility can help meet EU climate and mobility targets, with strong support for developing a European “Digital Driver.”
A Platform for Strategic Dialogue
The event also provided a valuable opportunity for strategic discussions. We had meaningful conversations about the future of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) and Logistics-as-a-Service (LaaS) in Europe. The consensus: deeper cooperation across all stakeholders is essential to unlock the full potential of autonomous mobility.
A Successful Milestone
EUCAD 2025 marked a significant milestone for the ULTIMO project. From engaging with passengers and policymakers to sharing expertise in panels and showcasing cutting-edge technology, ULTIMO demonstrated its pivotal role in driving forward connected, cooperative, and automated mobility in Europe.
As the project continues to evolve, the momentum built at EUCAD 2025 will serve as a strong foundation for future deployments and collaborations.