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

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

The future of urban transport is currently being discussed at the UITP Summit in Hamburg, which will take place from June 15th to 18th, 2025. With around 10,000 experts from over 100 countries, the event is a showcase of the latest innovations in the field of mobility. Particular attention is paid to the IMoGer (Innovative Modular Mobility Made in Germany) research project, which tests the use of U-Shift vehicles for local public transport and logistics. These prototypes have already been shown in research operations at the 2023 Federal Garden Show, as the DLR announced in a current report.

U-Shift vehicles are electric and autonomous, equipped with interchangeable capsules for transporting people and goods. They not only represent an answer to the challenges of urban mobility, but also help to increase traffic safety. U-Shift could help significantly reduce traffic accidents and DEATH through advanced sensing and automation. Studies show that autonomous technologies minimize human errors, which are responsible for more than 90 percent of traffic accidents. “There is also a good hand for funding and financing with 35 million euros from the Federal Ministry of Transport,” says the DLR.

Modern drives for sustainable mobility

The DLR is presenting another exciting project at the summit: the “Fuel Cell and Hybrid Power Pack” (FCHPP). This modular drive and energy architecture combines battery and fuel cell systems that not only extend the service life of the vehicles, but also make an important contribution to sustainability. Innovative concepts like the FCHPP are crucial to advancing the electrification of transport. The combination of autonomous driving and electromobility is seen as a key to reducing CO₂ emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

Various models of the NGT-TAXI, a light and modular rail vehicle that can be used on branch lines with battery or fuel cell drive, can also be seen at the UITP Summit. These vehicle innovations are part of DLR's comprehensive strategy to promote efficient use of autonomous vehicles and integrated transport planning. The SmartTransitFleetplaner (STF) serves as a tool for optimizing local public transport.

Autonomous mobility: opportunities and challenges

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

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

Further information about the topics of the UITP Summit can be found at DLR, U-Shift and SmartCity360.