Tech in the city

One year of a dynamic micro-hub means a year of intensive learning and development. Our technology has undergone an impressive learning curve. Challenges such as network issues have been successfully addressed — and on the software side, we have made significant progress as well: within twelve months, our level of automation increased by more than 20%. Since October 2025, we have achieved an average automation rate of over 91%. This was made possible through targeted improvements to our AI-based perception model. Ten LiDAR sensors and a transformer-based AI model enable more precise object detection, better decision-making, and noticeably safer, smoother driving behavior. 

Helvetiaplatz is home to a strategically important transfer point for Kyburz and Mathilde. Located in the southern part of the city center, it is extremely easy to access and very close to the city core. As a result, it is frequently used as a meeting point for the two vehicles. Mathilde departs from the Planzer site at the Bern freight rail terminal and parks directly and autonomously in the designated transfer area. The box exchange takes less than 10 minutes, and typically the “commotion” is over after about 15 minutes, with the area becoming available again for other service providers. In addition, the two vehicles meet outside peak hours, ensuring that no additional traffic is generated on an already heavily used road network. 

How are technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or new forms of city logistics changing our everyday lives? These and similar questions are addressed at the City Lab of the City of Bern. The idea: to bring Mathilde to BEA as part of the City Lab activities and make these topics accessible to a broad audience. To explain the concept together with Kyburz’s electric light vehicles, engage with the public, and answer questions. The timing could not have been better: on March 1, 2025, the new ordinance on automated driving came into force in Switzerland, and ASTRA complemented the topic with a highly informative stand on the legal framework. 

The visit by the Bern Cantonal Police shortly before Christmas 2024 was an important catalyst for this idea: to build acceptance and understanding of our efforts and the technology behind automated driving, engaging with the public is essential. Against this backdrop, open days for the project in Bern were launched and have been taking place regularly since March 2025. Of course, getting an up-close look at Mathilde is a major highlight each time — but it is not the only one. In addition to informative presentations by Planzer and LOXO, the program also includes a live stream of a drive as well as a visit to the telemonitoring center. The format is open to anyone interested, with registration available easily via this website. 

In summer 2024, the city logistics plans and automated driving in Bern are becoming tangible. In some areas, the final touches have already begun. As part of this, Mathilde received a carefully crafted visual upgrade at Planzer’s lettering and branding workshop in Dällikon. The design was developed jointly by Planzer and LOXO: multiple colors, the logos of the consortium partners, a Planzer house, an automated LOXO vehicle, and a depiction of the city of Bern. These elements are connected by multicolored lines symbolizing routes and mobility. The result: Mathilde stands out — and after the very first trips, one thing was clear: people notice her, stop, look with interest, and focus their attention on the VW ID. BUZZ.