The landscape of urban mobility is on the cusp of a significant transformation with the introduction of ConnX, an innovative intermodal mobility system developed by the South Tyrolean ropeway manufacturer LEITNER. Set to launch in 2025 after successfully completing extensive testing phases, ConnX promises to enhance connectivity and sustainability in urban transport by seamlessly integrating aerial ropeway systems with autonomous electric vehicles.
An innovative blend of ropeways and electric vehicles
ConnX, a name derived from the English word “connect,” embodies the system’s core advantage: the ideal integration of aerial and terrestrial transport modes. The system operates by transferring a cabin from a ropeway onto an autonomous electric vehicle within the station. This vehicle then continues its journey at street level, navigating urban environments with greater flexibility.
This hybrid approach offers significant benefits in urban settings. Ropeways effectively overcome topographical challenges and structural obstacles such as buildings or monuments. Meanwhile, the autonomous vehicles provide a practical solution for areas where a continuous ropeway system is not feasible due to space constraints or urban planning considerations. This dual-mode transport system allows for uninterrupted travel without the need for passengers to change cabins, enhancing convenience and efficiency.
Successful testing and collaborative development
The journey from concept to reality began with the creation of the first ConnX prototype in Sterzing in 2021. Over the past few months, the system has undergone rigorous testing at the ZalaZone Automotive Testing Centre in Hungary. “Over the past few months, ConnX has successfully passed all the in-depth tests that we carried out at the ZalaZone Automotive Testing Centre in Hungary,” says Klaus Erharter, Head of R&D at LEITNER.
A significant factor in the successful testing phase has been the collaboration with Elaphe, a Slovenian company and market leader in in-wheel electric motors. “Thanks in part to the successful collaboration with the Slovenian company Elaphe, the market leader in the field of in-wheel engines, we have managed to optimise all processes by testing all the complex functions of our technological solution,” explains Günter Tschinkel, Head of Electrical Engineering at LEITNER.
The testing focused on various operational scenarios, including the synchronization between the ropeway and the autonomous vehicles, as well as passenger boarding and alighting procedures. These scenarios included both a complete stop of the vehicle in the station and passing through stopping points at a speed of 0.3 meters per second. The positive outcomes of these tests have confirmed the project’s viability and support the goal of making ConnX market-ready by 2025.
Enhancing urban mobility with flexibility and efficiency
ConnX is designed to address key challenges in urban transport by offering a system that is both adaptable and efficient. Its ability to bypass infrastructural barriers makes it an attractive option for cities looking to improve connectivity without the extensive infrastructural changes required by traditional road or rail expansions.
In practical terms, ConnX operates at speeds of up to 12 meters per second (approximately 43 km/h) and can handle gradients of up to ten percent. The autonomous vehicles run on dedicated lanes, which means they are not subject to delays caused by other road users. This ensures regular journey times and uninterrupted service throughout the operating period.
Moreover, ConnX offers flexible stop planning, allowing for the integration of multiple stopping points according to urban planning needs. This flexibility makes it suitable not only as a “missing link” between different transport systems or ropeways but also as a “last mile connection” for both people and goods.
Economic and environmental benefits
From an economic standpoint, ConnX presents a cost-effective solution for urban transport. The system boasts short construction times and low investment and operating costs compared to conventional road and rail transport systems. The use of autonomous electric vehicles contributes to reduced operating expenses and aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions.
Environmentally, ConnX strengthens the advantages of ropeways by significantly reducing noise emissions and promoting the use of electric mobility in public transport. The electric vehicles used in the system contribute to lower carbon emissions, supporting cities’ efforts to reduce their environmental footprint.
Advancing ropeways in urban public transport
One of the key aspirations of the ConnX project is to increase the acceptance and adoption of ropeways as a viable component of urban public transport. By demonstrating the practicality and benefits of integrating ropeways with autonomous ground vehicles, LEITNER aims to expand the applications of ropeway technology beyond traditional settings.
The unique “system mix” offered by ConnX enhances the attractiveness of ropeways by addressing common urban transport challenges. It provides a solution that is not only technically feasible but also economically viable and environmentally sustainable. This positions ropeways as a competitive option in the urban transport sector, capable of complementing existing systems and filling gaps where other modes may not be practical.
Looking ahead: Market launch in 2025
With the successful completion of the testing phase and ongoing development efforts, ConnX is poised to make its market debut in 2025. The positive test results and optimized processes have solidified the project’s timeline and brought the vision of an interconnected urban mobility system closer to reality.
“The progress is a positive sign and supports the ambitious goal of making the patented system ready for the market as a future model for urban transport in the next two years,” notes LEITNER. Cities looking to make pioneering mobility decisions will soon have access to this innovative solution, which promises to redefine urban transport with its unprecedented flexibility and efficiency.
Source: LEITNER
