Bus autonomy in smart depot

We enable buses to move autonomously around the depot (turning them into smartbuses) — transforming everyday maneuvers into a reliable source of safety, efficiency, and recovered driver time. To see how depot-first autonomy works in real operations — and why starting in the depot is the fastest path to tangible ROI — learn more here: Bus Autonomy Starts In The Depot.

With the Smartbus Onboard Program, you can quickly assess feasibility, safety, and ROI in your own depot — then define a clear path from readiness assessment through pilot to procurement requirements, giving OEMs the confidence they need to integrate depot autonomy into their platforms.

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Already Onboard

What is a smartbus?

It is a bus that drives autonomously around the depot - without the input of a driver.

The vehicle precisely plans its route, adapting it to the specific characteristics of each depot
It navigates autonomously between key zones
It parks with a high level of accuracy and performs daily service tasks
By automating routine, repetitive manoeuvres, up to a month of driver work per year can be recovered
Smartbuses are not only an increase in safety and operational fluency - they are a real, accessible first step towards the full automation of public transport today

Learn more about smartbuses

What is SmartDEPOT™?

SmartDEPOT™ is a system that is a key piece of equipment in every smartbus, enabling it to drive autonomously around the depot. It operates in a closed, controlled environment, making implementation possible even today.

The system can be installed at the production stage of any type of bus, including standard 12m buses - always adapting to the individual needs of the transport operator.

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Latest news

Autonomous Systems at IT-TRANS

Karlsruhe, Germany – 19 February 2026

At IT-TRANS 2026 (Karlsruhe, 3–5 March), Autonomous Systems will present its depot-first autonomy approach for European smartbuses. Co-CEO Jan Gramatyka will speak at the Market Update Forum on 4 March (15:00) and serve as an expert trainer in the UITP Academy session on smart depots. Autonomous Systems is also a Future Mobility Award 2026 finalist.

Smartbus Pilot at PKM Gliwice

Gliwice, Poland – 5 December 2025

Autonomous Systems, a technology company founded and operating in Gliwice, has launched the Smartbus Pilot together with PKM Gliwice at the city’s depot. The project brings together local engineering expertise and the experience of a municipal public transport operator, advancing a new category of smartbuses – standard city buses equipped with autonomous driving functions for depot operations.

Autonomous Systems joins UITP

Gliwice, Poland / Oslo, Norway – 30 October 2025

Autonomous Systems, a European technology company developing autonomous mobility solutions for cities and transit operators, has joined the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) as a new member and contributor to the global dialogue on automated mobility.

The ROI of smartbuses

Autonomy in public transport is often discussed as a future end-state. Here’s the practical view: what happens to costs and capacity when you automate the repetitive, non-revenue movements inside the depot. It starts with a simple ROI equation, breaks down the real cost buckets (per bus vs per depot), and shows why fleet scale changes unit economics - a straightforward way to turn “interesting” into “measurable.”

How safe are smartbuses?

Depots are challenging because people and buses share tight spaces, and visibility is often interrupted by large vehicles and blind spots. Safety depends on where “the system’s eyes and judgement” live and what that implies for everyday operations. It then comes down to operational basics: low speed, predictable movements, pedestrian priority, defined operating boundaries, and well-defined staff procedures.

Revolution Evolution in bus autonomy

Autonomous buses won’t arrive via a single leap. This article explains why depot-first autonomy is the practical on-ramp: start in a controlled environment, learn safely in real operations, and build step-by-step readiness for street autonomy without disrupting service.