Yuan Liu

The bus's external frame structure collaborates with the internal structure, prioritizing passenger safety. It efficiently disperses the forces sustained during a car accident across the frame rather than transferring them to the inner structure. Additionally, it is designed with aerodynamics in mind, channeling air downwards for cooling the battery packs and upwards for the air conditioning system. The addition of a four-wheel steering system effortlessly manages tight corners and enables operation within multi-level carparks.

Eliminating fixed seats results in a spacious interior, capable of accommodating a large number of passengers along with their luggage. Specially designed floor cutouts positioned near the edges employ gravity to guide suitcases towards cushioned areas, ensuring a secure and stable placement during the journey. Four interactive touchscreens strategically placed in the cabin provide passengers with visibility into blind spots caused by the technical packages at the corners of the bus. These touchscreens also serve as valuable information hubs, offering essential details about the bus's current operational status and providing updates related to airport services and announcements.

The bus will operate in two modes, adapting to the load at the airport and carpark. During quieter times, it will seamlessly lead the driver to a vacant parking spaces and offer direct pick-up services from there. The location information will be associated with the car’s license plate to send passengers back to their cars upon returning from their trips.

For optimized efficiency, the bus will collect passengers at designated bus stops during Melbourne Airport's busiest hours. Its self-charging capabilities at these stops will guarantee swift departures and reduce passenger waiting times.

The vertically placed technical packages make use of the available unused space, thereby liberating interior space for luggage, wheelchair or pram. This design facilitates easier access for technicians to modular components such as battery packs, sensors, and computing units, simplifying maintenance tasks.

Transitioning from full-sized diesel buses to smaller autonomous electric buses promotes environmental sustainability, offers increased efficiency and convenience for travelers, and enhances skills and knowledge of Educational Groups like the Monash Connected Autonomous Vehicles (MCAV) in the field of autonomous vehicle technology.