As a pioneer in the transition of public transportation to electric and autonomous vehicles, Karsan continues to attract attention with its groundbreaking technologies. Being one of the few brands offering three next-generation technologies – electric, hydrogen, and autonomous – Karsan is set to be the key player of another significant project with the Autonomous e-ATAK. Operating since 2021 as the world’s first factory-built SAE Level-4 autonomous bus, Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK now provides airport mobility solutions in Rotterdam, and will be available for passenger use starting from August 1.
Reliable, accessible, sustainable transportation
Last year, Karsan signed an agreement with DAM Shuttles to provide public transportation services at Rotterdam Airport. With the recent delivery of two Autonomous e-ATAK buses, the project has officially commenced operations. The launch ceremony was held with the participation of Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management of the Netherlands, Robert Tieman; Karsan CEO Okan Baş; ADASTEC CEO Dr. Ali Ufuk Peker; key Dutch authorities; numerous media representatives; and project partners including DAM Shuttles, RET (Rotterdamse Elektrische Tram), RTHA (Rotterdam The Hague Airport), MRDH (Metropolitan Region Rotterdam The Hague), Applied Autonomy, and ADASTEC. Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK carried its first passengers between Rotterdam The Hague Airport terminal and Meijersplein Metro Station. Highlighting the significance of the project, Karsan CEO Okan Baş stated: “With this delivery, we have realized the world’s first autonomous airport bus project. This initiative is not only Karsan’s first autonomous bus deployment in the Netherlands but also marks a major milestone in global airport passenger transportation. Operating actively in such a strategic location demonstrates that autonomous mobility is no longer a future projection but a real solution of today. I would like to thank our project partners DAM Shuttles and RET, the Municipality of Rotterdam, Rotterdam Airport for enabling the realisation of this project, the technology collaboration platform MRDH, and our technology partners ADASTEC and Applied Autonomy for their efforts and contributions in making this achievement possible.” Referencing Karsan’s operational experience from 13 different projects in 12 countries, Okan Baş added: “We are determined to continue shaping the future of mobility by expanding our operations across Europe.”
A significant milestone
The Autonomous e-ATAK successfully passed operational and functional safety tests, earning full approval from RDW (Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer), one of Europe’s leading authorities. As a result, it has officially become Europe’s first RDW-approved full-size SAE Level-4 autonomous bus. Commenting on this achievement, Karsan CEO Okan Baş said: “This approval not only reflects the advanced stage of our technology but also demonstrates that we provide solutions meeting international safety standards.”
ADASTEC CEO Dr. Ali Ufuk Peker stated: “Becoming the first to secure RDW approval in the Netherlands for a full-size SAE Level-4 automated bus is a remarkable achievement, and even more so as this marks Europe’s first deployment of a full-size automated bus carrying passengers in an airport landside environment. Over the years, together with Karsan, we have delivered groundbreaking projects in multiple countries, demonstrating how automated public transportation can move from vision to everyday service. This milestone highlights what can be accomplished when strong collaboration and advanced technology come together to transform mobility.”
Remco Derksen, Co-Founder and Director of DAM Shuttles said: “We are very happy and proud that we have reached this milestone. The journey to get to this moment sometimes felt like a cat with nine lives. We strongly believe that this development will improve public transport and we have a strong business case for it”.
Clear vision ahead with thermal cameras
Karsan’s Autonomous e-ATAK is equipped with numerous LiDAR sensors positioned at various points around the vehicle. Additionally, it features advanced radar technology at the front, high-resolution image processing through RGB cameras, and thermal cameras for enhanced environmental safety. All these innovative technologies come together to enable Level-4 autonomous driving, allowing the Autonomous e-ATAK to operate on a planned route fully autonomous. Whether day or night, and in all weather conditions, the vehicle can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h in autonomous mode. It performs all the functions of a bus driver autonomously, including approaching stops along its route, managing passenger boarding and alighting, and handling navigation through intersections, crossings, and traffic lights – all without a driver on board.
