How a “Bumblebee” is revolutionizing mobility

When the Bus Stops Coming — and Why That’s Not the End

Public transport is under pressure. Fewer bus drivers, fewer connections—especially in rural areas. At the same time, demands are rising: sustainability, zero-emission vehicles, accessible mobility. And the population? It’s aging and more dependent than ever on public transport. But large buses face limits: narrow streets, low occupancy, high costs. Mobility shouldn’t be a luxury. It’s time for new ideas.

The Solution: Think Small, Act Big

This is where BumbleB comes in—the autonomous shuttle project by Bertrandt. BumbleB isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a holistic concept for tomorrow’s mobility. Why small? Because a nimble vehicle is more effective than a half-empty bus. BumbleB adapts and could serve in various roles in the future: as an on-demand taxi with no fixed schedule, with space for bikes or luggage. And thanks to its compact design, it can handle narrow streets where traditional buses have long given up.

 

Drives Itself — and Thinks of Everyone

BumbleB drives autonomously and safely. State-of-the-art sensors, intelligent software, and system integration ensure the shuttle operates reliably even in dense traffic. The best part: BumbleB is zero-emission and accessible. Bertrandt is setting new standards for mobility that’s not only ecological but also socially just. Mobility for all—regardless of age or physical condition.

More Than a Vehicle: An Ecosystem

At Bertrandt, we think about mobility holistically. BumbleB is not just hardware, but also software, infrastructure, and operations—all from a single source. And we rely on open-source principles, not only in software but also in mechanics.

From Vision to Reality

BumbleB isn’t just a dream of the future—it’s already on the road. For example, on Mainau Island at Lake Constance, we’re planning a real-world test operation in 2026. Here, we want to show that autonomous driving works. You just need the courage to tackle it and keep going.

Learn More About the BumbleB Project:
BumbleB, the autonomous shuttle project for rural regions.