Frequently Asked Questions

CAMIL in front of the Nelson Mandela bridge
CAMIL in front of the Nelson Mandela bridge

Here you can find the most important questions and answers about CAMIL.

What's CAMIL's route?

The automated minibus CAMIL provides a new and direct connection from Ilmenau train station (stop "Neuhäuser Weg") to the TU Ilmenau (stop "G.-Kirchhoff-Platz"). For more information on CAMIL and its route, please visit Take a ride.

How much does a ride with CAMIL cost?

One ride costs € 1.40. It is also possible to purchase 4-trip tickets for € 5.10. For more information on CAMIL's ticket prices, please visit Take a ride.

Kann ich CAMIL mit einem Deutschlandticket nutzen?

CAMIL darf sehr gern mit einem Deutschlandticket genutzt werden.

Is there a subscription?

There is no subscription, but weekly or monthly tickets can be purchased.

Where do I buy a ticket?

Tickets can be purchased directly in the vehicle.

What are CAMIL's driving times?

CAMIL drives from Monday to Friday between 09:45 and 16:12 o'clock. You can see the full schedule uner Take a ride.

What is the aim of the project?

The aim of the project is to develop an automated and networked public transport system. CAMIL runs in regular road traffic on a test route between the railway station and the TU Ilmenau. The operation of CAMIL is scientifically accompanied by the Thüringer Innovationszentrum Mobilität at the TU Ilmenau in order to research and develop innovative mobility concepts for the future. You can find out more about the accompanying research project and how you can get involved under Transform mobility as we know it.

What kind of vehicle is CAMIL?

The vehicles in the CAMIL project are small shuttle buses from the EasyMile company (vehicle type EZ10, 3rd generation).

Dimensions: LxWxH 4.02 x 1.99 x 2.87 m

Weight: 2.0 t unladen weight, 3.03 t permissible gross weight

Engine and battery: Electric drive, 9 h average operating time

Speed: 45 km/h maximum speed, electronically throttled to 18 km/h

Sensors and positioning: LiDAR, camera, radar, differentiated GPS, Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), odometry

How fast does the vehicle go?

CAMIL could reach a top speed of up to 45 km/h. Due to current regulations, CAMIL in Ilmenau travels at a throttled speed of 18 km/h maximum in Ilmenau.

Can I ride as a passenger?

Yes, with a valid IOV ticket, CAMIL is accessible to everyone. Information about the driving schedule and ticket prices can be found under Take a ride.

Do I have to register for the trip?

No, CAMIL runs according to a normal timetable, just like any other bus. You can get on or off the bus at any stop along the route.

How many passengers can travel on one trip?

There are six seats available in the CAMIL shuttle. In addition, there is enough space for a wheelchair.

Can groups of visitors travel with CAMIL?

Coordination for visitor groups is handled by Büro autoBus. For further information please send an e-mail to #@#

Is the vehicle barrier free?

Yes, our CAMIL shuttle is barrier free. There are no steps inside the vehicle. Wheelchair access is possible via an electrically extendable ramp (up to 350 kg).

What am I allowed to take with me in CAMIL?

CAMIL does not offer enough space for bicycles. Wheelchairs or walkers, on the other hand, are not a problem. Of course, a guide dog for the blind can also be taken along.

Is there supervisory staff on board?

Yes, our shuttle CAMIL is always accompanied by a trained operator (safety driver) from IOV.

How safe is the vehicle?

As an autonomous shuttle, CAMIL has cameras and LiDAR sensors. LiDAR means "light detection and ranging" and works something like a scanner. These sensors capture and process the recorded data to create a 360-degree image of the environment, including other road users. By processing the data in real time and using unique software, CAMIL can adapt its behaviour to any situation on the road (e.g. stop, drive or slow down, etc.).

In addition, the vehicle is in constant communication with the EasyMile Supervision Centre, which supervises the vehicle remotely.

In addition, there is always a human attendant, a so-called operator, on board who can take control at any time.

If the automated minibus brakes in front of a sudden obstacle, the shuttle does not take evasive action on its own. If an evasive manoeuvre is necessary, the shuttle is controlled manually by the operator.