1. Purpose of the Document
This declaration serves to inform participating individuals and to protect the operator during test rides with the autonomous shuttle “BumbleB.” The vehicle is used as part of a research, development, or demonstration project and operates in a highly automated or autonomous mode. The test rides are not part of regular public transportation services and may be monitored or accompanied at any time through manual intervention by a safety‑responsible operator.
2. Involved Parties
Operator / Responsible Entity
Company/Organization: Bertrandt Technikum GmbH
Address: Birkensee 1, 71139 Ehningen
Participating Person (Passenger): Please complete in the form
3. Description of the Test Operation
The participating person has been informed that the “BumbleB” shuttle is operated in autonomous or highly automated mode and that the operation serves technical testing purposes. The test drives take place in real traffic environments and may be monitored by an operator or manually taken over if necessary. Adjustments to the route, speed, or mode of operation may be required at any time to meet technical or safety‑related requirements.
4. Risk Disclosure
The participating person has been informed and acknowledges that autonomous test vehicles, despite high safety standards, may perform unexpected maneuvers. These may include sudden or strong braking, abrupt changes in speed or direction, as well as automatic emergency stops. The vehicle’s reactions are based on sensor‑driven systems such as cameras and lidar technology, which are subject to external influences including traffic conditions, weather, or unforeseen obstacles. Because the test ride takes place on public roads, situations may arise that cannot be fully predicted for technical or traffic‑related reasons. The participating person confirms having understood and accepted these risks.
5. Obligations of the Participant
The participating person agrees to follow all instructions given by accompanying or safety personnel throughout the entire ride. They are required to fasten their seat belt properly, refrain from interfering with controls or safety‑relevant technology, and use the interior of the vehicle in a manner that does not endanger the test operation or other passengers. Furthermore, the participating person commits to immediately report any irregularities, damages, or safety‑relevant observations to the operator or its staff.
6. Liability Disclaimer / Limitation of Liability
The operator is fully liable for damages resulting from intent or gross negligence, as well as for damages arising from injury to life, body, or health.
In the event of slightly negligent breaches of essential contractual obligations (“cardinal obligations”), whose fulfillment enables the proper execution of the test ride and on which the participant may regularly rely, the operator’s liability is limited to the typical and foreseeable damage for this type of agreement.
In all other cases, liability of the operator for slight negligence is excluded.
Mandatory statutory liability, particularly under the German Road Traffic Act (StVG) and the Product Liability Act, remains unaffected.
For damages caused by intentional or grossly negligent behavior of the participating person, or by disregarding safety instructions, the participating person shall be liable in accordance with the statutory provisions.
7. Data Protection and Consent to Data Processing
As part of the test operation, various data may be processed, including video‑ and sensor‑based interior and exterior recordings, telemetry, position and movement data, as well as information required for analysis, quality assurance, and operational safety. Data processing is carried out exclusively for the purposes of technical development, scientific evaluation, and safety analysis. The participating person acknowledges that their participation requires consent to this data processing.
8. Indemnification Clause
The participating person indemnifies the operator, its employees, project partners, and agents from all claims arising from violations of behavioral rules or from their own intentional or grossly negligent conduct. This includes, in particular, damages caused by improper behavior or unauthorized interference with technical systems.
9. Right of Withdrawal / Termination of the Test Operation
The operator may terminate, interrupt, or refuse test rides at any time for safety‑related, project‑related, or technical reasons. The participating person may also end their participation at any time; however, there is no entitlement to the execution or continuation of transportation. No claims against the operator arise from cancellation or refusal of participation.
10. Consent & Signatures