Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK automated by ADASTEC Launches Automated Bus Servicein Arbon, Switzerland

The First Full-Size Automated Bus Operating on Public Roads in Switzerland Begins Service This Autumn

Arbon, Switzerland – August 14, 2025 — A new milestone in automated public transportation has been reached in Switzerland as the Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK, automated by ADASTEC, officially begins operation on public roads in the city of Arbon. This deployment marks the country’s first full-size automated bus approved for real-world use in public transport.

The launch event was held in Arbon at the Lake of Constance with the participation of the Turkish Consul General in Zurich, Mr. Fazlı Çorman, the Vice-President of the cantonal Government of Canton Thurgau, Urs Martin, the President of the cantonal Parliament and Mayor of Arbon, René Walther, the Vice-Director of the Federal Roads Office, Edwin Wieland, the Scientific Officer of the Federal Office of Transport, Barbara Zollinger and other regional officials. Swiss and international media members and interested public transport services

attended the event. ADASTEC hosted an on-site information booth to share technical insights and answer questions from the public about the deployment. Guests had the opportunity to directly experience the automated bus, gaining first-hand insight into how the system navigates on public roads.

The Swiss Pilot Project SCCL, Self Controlled City Liner, is led by TGA, Technical Association of Arbon, together with the City of Arbon and Eurobus Ostschweiz AG as operating agent. Later in the project plan, the Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK will be supervised and assisted by the teleoperation equipment of the control center according to the new Swiss Road Traffic Act. “The challenges of the SCCL route in mixed traffic of downtown Arbon and the ending up of the project by full teleoperated service makes SCCL to one of the most advanced approaches in

autonomous mobility worldwide” said Dr. Hansueli Bruderer, Project Manager SCCL.

Teleoperation serves as an additional safety and operational continuity layer, activated only when remote assistance is required for exceptional scenarios, while the bus continues to operate in fully automated mode under regular conditions. Bus fleets, remotely controlled by teleoperators, are key for cost reduction of public transport systems.

“With our technology already operating across various cities in Europe, this deployment in Arbon adds a unique chapter to the advancement of automated public transportation,” said Dr. Ali Peker, CEO of ADASTEC. “Here, we are not simply running another automated service; we are connecting citizens to their daily lives through a fully integrated, year-round operation on public roads. This project demonstrates how automated mobility can adapt to local needs while still meeting the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and accessibility. It’s a

defining moment in our journey to scale reliable, real-world automated transport.”

Operating along a 2.5-kilometer route with nine designated stops, the service connects key locations such as the lakeside, train station, Arbon Castle, the public swimming area, and the city hall. In addition to the main route, five alternative routes have been mapped for operational flexibility. The service runs with defined seasonal schedules, summer and winter timetables are already established. The Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK operates in a downtown area with limited speed of 30 km/h and is continuously monitored via a dedicated command control center

supported by AppliedAutonomy.

Karsan CEO Okan Baş stated that they are ushering in an era of comfortable, environmentally friendly, and safe transportation in Switzerland, saying, "We continue to achieve firsts with the Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK. Following the project, we carried out at Rotterdam Airport, we are now making another important first in Arbon. This national pilot project demonstrates that autonomous mobility is no longer a solution for the future, but a concrete transportation solution for today. We are delighted to be part of a project that directly contributes to sustainable energy, fully in line with the region's ‘green energy’ vision. In the second phase of the project, we aim to achieve another important strategic milestone by implementing teleoperation technology.

Infrastructure preparations are currently underway, and the teleoperation feature is planned to be implemented approximately one year after the launch."

Approved by the Federal Office of Transport (FOT) for the vehicle platform and the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) for the automated driving system, the deployment integrates perception, localization, and planning capabilities designed to handle complex urban scenarios. The vehicle interacts with roundabouts, signalized intersections, narrow lanes, and crosswalks and is equipped with V2X capability for future communication with city infrastructure when needed.

The system includes teleoperation support, enabling authorized operators to take control remotely, when necessary, such as when the ADS encounters an unexpected situation or requires assistance to return to its operational path or reach a safe location. This ensures operational continuity and safety, particularly in challenging environments where remote intervention supports consistent service delivery.

This deployment, featuring the Karsan Autonomous e-ATAK, showcases the scalability and operational maturity of ADASTEC’s automated driving platform, already active across multiple European cities. Designed for year-round service in real-world conditions, the system continues to deliver safe, efficient, and adaptable public transportation, bringing the benefits of automated

mobility to communities with varying transport needs.