Future of mobility: DLR presents U-Shift and sustainable drive solutions in Hamburg

The Uitp Summit 2025 in Hamburg shows innovative solutions for sustainable mobility, including autonomous driving and U-shift technology.
The Uitp Summit 2025 in Hamburg shows innovative solutions for sustainable mobility, including autonomous driving and U-shift technology. (Symbolbild/MND)

Future of mobility: DLR presents U-Shift and sustainable drive solutions in Hamburg

The future of urban traffic is currently being discussed at the Uitp Summit in Hamburg, which takes place from June 15th to 18th, 2025. With around 10,000 experts from over 100 countries, the event is a show run of the latest innovations in the field of mobility. Particular attention is paid to the IMOGER research project (innovative modular mobility made in Germany), which tests the use of under-shift vehicles for local public transport and logistics. These prototypes were already shown in the research company at the Federal Garden Show 2023, as the DLR reports in a current report.

U-shift vehicles are electrical and autonomous, equipped with interchangeable capsules for the transport of people and goods. They not only represent an answer to the challenges of urban mobility, but also contribute to increasing security in traffic. U-shift could help reduce traffic accidents and to death significantly through advanced sensors and automation. Studies show that autonomous technologies minimize human errors that are responsible for more than 90 percent of traffic accidents. "A good knack for funding and financing is also available with 35 million euros from the Federal Ministry of Transport," says the DLR.

modern drives for sustainable mobility

The DLR presents another exciting project on the Summit: the "Fuel Cell and Hybrid Power Pack" (FCHPP). This modular drive and energy architecture combines battery and fuel cell systems, which not only extend the lifespan of the vehicles, but also make an important contribution to sustainability. Innovative concepts such as the FCHPP are crucial to promote the electrification of traffic. The combination of autonomous driving and electromobility is considered a key to reducing CO₂ emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

In addition, various models of the NGT-Taxi can be seen on the Uitp Summit, a light and modular rail vehicle that can be used on side distances with battery or fuel cell drive. These vehicle innovations are part of a comprehensive DLR strategy in order to promote efficient use of autonomous vehicles and integrated traffic planning. The SmartTransitfleetplaner (STF) serves as a tool for optimizing local public transport.

autonomous mobility: opportunities and challenges

While the advantages of autonomous driving are obvious, there are also challenges that should not be ignored. High development costs, technological hurdles and data protection concerns are topics that must continue to be addressed. At the same time, autonomous technology opens up new possibilities for people with limited mobility and could significantly transform urban space. What should not be forgotten: The integration of these new technologies into existing infrastructure requires close cooperation between politics, industry and society.

In summary, it can be said that developments in the field of autonomous driving technology are not only promising, but also significant changes in the way we can move in cities. Innovative solutions and new concepts must be continued as part of sustainable mobility approaches in order to significantly reduce the ecological footprint of the transport sector. The positive expectations of autonomous driving indicate that we are on the right track to shape tomorrow.

Further information on the topics of the Uitp Summits can be found at DLR, U-shift.com/) [SmartCity360.

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OrtHamburg, Deutschland
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