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In the recent years the urban transport system known as BRT (Bus Rapid Transit System) is gaining importance due to the growing demands from alternatives to rail systems. However, unlike rail systems, the performance of BRT depends on the driver's ability to perform accurate docking maneuvers on the bus stop platform and to travel in narrow bus lane quickly and safely. In this scenario, the automation of the bus through the technology of automated steering shows up as a viable alternative, with excellent prospect of operational performance improvement. This article shows how sensing technologies (including magnetic and optical), computational intelligence and electromechanical actuator can transform standard bus in automatically guided vehicle. In addition, it discusses the importance of integrating automated vehicle guidance system (AVGS) with Intelligent Transport System (ITS) to increase operational performance and safety of the BRT.

Competition in Automotive Market is driving the need for more time - and cost - effective testing methods. In the fatigue life analysis of new passenger and commercial vehicle designs, laboratory testing through servohydraulic equipment plays a very important role. In DaimlerChrysler do Brasil, the Durability Test Laboratory represents an important basis to assure high endurance reliability for all kinds of our commercial vehicle applications. In order to respond to the above mentioned testing tasks, this paper will focuse what we call our “New Policy of Durability Tests for Commercial Vehicles”, based on development of simple and low cost Road Simulators, fully dedicated and customized to testing of vehicle components and chassis. Experimental results as well as other data related to consumption of laboratory's: area, utilityes, pressurized hoses and test time, will be used in order to illustrate advantages and disadvantages of the new testing resource.