The public transportation sector is on the rise, driven by the urgent need to meet climate protection goals. By 2030, a whopping one-third more buses and trains are required on the roads. The future of mobility is set to witness growth through an expanded network of routes and increased frequency. In line with the European sustainability strategy outlined by the Clean Vehicle Directive, companies face an obligation to procure a specific share of "clean" new heavy-duty vehicles. For all heavy-duty vehicles emissions have to be reduced by 45% of by 2030 and for city busses specifically, a decrease of 85% is mandated. The term "clean" encompasses not only electric buses but also those powered by hydrogen or synthetic fuels. This surge in demand and diversification of propulsion systems adds complexity to the operational landscape for businesses. The workshop, tasked with maintaining an increasingly diverse fleet, is under pressure to acquire and train skilled personnel. According to the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV), a significant 54% of technical experts in public transport are set to retire by 2030, with only one in five positions being filled by apprentices.
Beyond the looming shortage of skilled workers, the departure of decades of experience from workshop personnel poses a significant threat to the industry. The challenge is monumental, particularly as maintenance is oftentimes still bound to traditional processes and structures. Currently, the strategy for maintaining high vehicle availability involves preventive maintenance based on predefined cycles. However, this approach leads to unused potential lifespan due to significant safety buffers, resulting in high costs and environmental impact. Unforeseen disruptions, like door failures, occur regularly, causing operational inconveniences and negative passenger experiences. In a future where operational complexity meets a shortage of skilled maintenance personnel, investments in new sustainable buses alone won't make public transport more appealing. The inherent problem lies in the lack of transparency regarding the condition of vehicles, necessitating new solutions and perspectives.
A significant opportunity emerges in the realm of digitalization, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI). Despite modern vehicles generating a wealth of data, most of it remains unanalyzed due to limited standard interfaces provided by vehicle manufacturers. The Munich-based company, AWAKE Mobility, steps into this gap. Founded with the vision of enabling trouble-free transportation worldwide, AWAKE Mobility collaborates closely with the bus industry. The result is a cross-manufacturer solution that enhances operational stability, accelerating the mobility transformation. In partnership with workshops, AWAKE Mobility has developed a digital workshop assistant. This assistant is continually aware of the condition of all vehicles, providing early warnings as problems arise. These functionalities, known as condition monitoring and predictive maintenance, proven in other industries, are now benefiting the bus sector. The AWAKE system comprises an On-Board Computer, an online portal for workshops and control centers, and an app for drivers. Specially designed telematics hardware collects and transmits large volumes of data in real-time, which is then analyzed by algorithms. The resulting insights are presented on a dashboard, significantly increasing employee efficiency and mitigating the accelerating shortage of skilled workers. Drivers play a crucial role with access to a digital reporting app, replacing the paper-based reporting process. This continuous enrichment of data exponentially evolves the system's knowledge, benefiting all AWAKE partners.
In summary, AWAKE Mobility has pioneered a digital workshop assistant for the bus industry, transparently depicting the current and future state of the fleet. The insights gained from this innovative approach enhance operational stability, alleviate day-to-day operations, and reduce overall operational costs.
About AWAKE Mobility
Founded in 2020 by Houssem Braham, Daniel Sattel, and Daniel Tyoschitz in Munich, AWAKE Mobility has received support from the Federal Ministry of Economics, the EU, and other institutions for its groundbreaking innovations in public transportation.
Voices from Our Partners
"I particularly like AWAKE Mobility's clear focus, leading to highly tailored solutions that create the highest customer value."
- Daniel Krauss, Co-founder at FlixBus
"We highly value the close partnership with AWAKE Mobility and are especially pleased with the team's rapid progress."
- Nicki Schieb, Technical Director at Autobus Oberbayern
"Bus operators have heterogeneous fleets, which is why AWAKE Mobility's multi-brand approach is precisely the right strategy."
- Joachim Drees, former CEO at MAN