Volkswagen is set to launch robotaxis based on VW ID from next year. Buzz

The Volkswagen Group is getting serious about unmanned vehicles. Its subsidiary MOIA has unveiled the production version of the robotaxi ID. Buzz AD - an electric minibus packed with sensors and advanced software.

Here's What We Know

From 2026, companies, municipalities and other organisations will be able to order entire fleets of these robotaxis. MOIA promises to deliver them as a turnkey solution - with all the necessary sensors, full certification and a special platform for autonomous driving. This platform is called AD MaaS (Autonomous Driving Mobility-as-a-Service). It allows operators to get unmanned taxis up and running very quickly, without having to understand the technical details.

ID. Buzz AD is literally packed with various sensors - as many as 27 of them. Among them are 13 cameras, 9 lidars and 5 radars. All information from the sensors goes to the electronic "brain" from Mobileye. It analyses the situation and makes decisions in any situation - even when ambulances or firefighters pass nearby.

Inside the minibus there are four seats for passengers and one driver's seat. But no one sits behind the wheel - the car drives itself. Instead of the front passenger seat, a luggage shelf for things was installed.

ID. Buzz AD corresponds to the 4th level of autonomous driving according to SAE classification. This means that the car can drive completely on its own, only occasionally receiving commands from the operator remotely. In comparison, all Tesla's so far are only classified as level 2. This means that the driver has to keep his eyes on the road at all times and be ready to take over control.

The software platform uses artificial intelligence to track the entire fleet in real time. It automatically assists passengers and integrates with popular taxi hailing apps.

MOIA plans to be fully certified to operate unmanned taxis in the European Union and the US in the near future.

Source: MOIA