Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, an Army and Marine Corps installation near Washington, D.C., celebrated the arrival of its new fleet of autonomous, self-driving shuttles Wednesday.
The shuttles, known as Olli, were provided by Local Motors, a 3D-printed mobility solutions firm, after the installation won a regional fleet challenge to propose innovative scenarios for use of the electric, self-driving shuttle.
“Olli’s deployment at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall illustrates a unique use-case scenario for autonomous vehicles, and knowing that it will directly benefit men and women serving our country makes it even more special,” Local Motors CEO and Co-Founder Jay Rogers said in a press release.
The autonomous units will transport personnel to installation sites including the community center, dining services, a health clinic and base barracks. Company engineers worked the past several weeks with installation officials to determine the base route, according to Local Motors.
“We’re looking forward to seeing how Olli can teach others about the impact a self-driving vehicle can make at a military installation,” Rogers said.
“I had a chance to learn about and ride Olli during a visit to Local Motors earlier this year, and that experience only heightened my excitement about bringing this shuttle to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall,” said Lt. Colonel Brandon Newall of the Marine Corps Installation Command. “This type of partnership further demonstrates how military installations can and should look to innovative solutions that create efficiencies while also providing real support for the men and women who choose to serve.”