German auto technology firm ZF is teaming up with Oxbotica, a global leader in autonomous vehicle software, to develop a Level 4 self-driving system for Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) passenger shuttles.

The firms have signed a strategic partnership agreement to develop a Level 4 self-driving system for autonomous shuttles to transport people and goods

The solution will be deployed in major cities around the world and could also be used for goods transportation vehicles in urban environments.

As part of the agreement, ZF has invested and taken a 5% share in Oxbotica. The two firms have already been working together since 2019 and said they share a joint vision for the future of mobility and the transformational potential that autonomous technology can have across multiple industries where people and goods move.

Ahead of the autonomous shuttle deployments, ZF and Oxbotica will work closely together to continue to develop the technology and on validation and verification of the integrated self-driving vehicle system.

Paul Newman, co-founder and CTO of Oxbotica, said: “Partnering with ZF in developing an on-road passenger and goods transportation solution is an important milestone in Oxbotica’s commercial autonomy strategy. Our product will bring new options to cities and transport operators around the globe who must solve the complex mobility challenges of the future. The way people and goods move is changing.”