German engineering company Bertrandt has introduced a new autonomous shuttle vehicle called the BumbleB, developed in collaboration with the Bern University of Applied Sciences. The small, driverless shuttle is designed to enhance mobility options in rural areas that lack public transport or ridesharing services.
While technical specifications have not yet been disclosed, Bertrandt said the BumbleB can be used in a variety of settings beyond its rural focus. “Small, agile and yet fully suitable for everyday use, BumbleB brings cutting-edge sensors, software, and system intelligence to the streets – without a steering wheel,” the company said in a statement. “The vision: mobility for everyone, regardless of age or physical condition, simple, affordable, and safe to use.”
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Visual materials shared by the company show a compact shuttle with seating at the front and rear, and a spacious open section in the middle, which may accommodate wheelchairs or standing passengers. The design notably omits a driver’s cockpit, underscoring its fully autonomous intent.
Alexander Merkel, Head of Electronics & Virtual Testing Solutions at Bertrandt, said the project reflects the firm’s push toward sustainable and inclusive transport solutions. “BumbleB shows that ‘software-defined mobility’ is a reality and that autonomous vehicles can make a significant contribution to a more environmentally friendly and inclusive society,” Merkel said. “For us, the current challenging times are exactly the right moment to take this step and demonstrate how passion and engineering excellence can create a new form of mobility.”
