MiCa, a next-generation autonomous vehicle created by Estonian company Auve Tech, began operations in downtown West Palm Beach, Florida. MiCa has been issued US license plates and is licensed to drive on a 1.5 km-long track in open traffic.
“The City of West Palm Beach is pleased to be the site for this urban transportation pilot that will showcase innovation in tackling evolving transportation challenges,” said Jessica Keller, West Palm Beach Transportation and Mobility Manager.
“The autonomous vehicles we developed in Estonia are now commonplace in Japan, and increasingly in Europe and the Middle East. Entering the United States market represents a significant step for our company and the Estonian automotive industry.”
Väino Kaldoja, Founder of Auve Tech
Auve Tech designs and manufactures compact autonomous shuttles, proven on public roads worldwide. Already operating in several European and Asian countries, MiCa navigates complex urban environments without human intervention. The new solution used in the US operation is from technology partner Guident, which allows autonomous vehicles to be monitored remotely in real time throughout the journey. This program aims to collect real-world data, improve safety, and redefine smart, sustainable transit.
“Launching the MiCa pilot in West Palm Beach represents a significant leap forward in autonomous technology,” said Harald Braun, Chairman and CEO of Guident. “Our collaboration with our esteemed partners underlines a shared vision: to create a safer, more efficient, and connected urban future.”
Auve Tech´s MiCa operates on four continents
“The autonomous vehicles we developed in Estonia are now commonplace in Japan, and increasingly in Europe and the Middle East. Entering the United States market represents a significant step for our company and the Estonian automotive industry,” stated Auve Tech founder Väino Kaldoja. “We feel a great sense of responsibility and are working diligently to ensure that similar operations continue.”
According to Kaldoja, it is an interesting coincidence that the first operation is just a few kilometres from US President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence.
“The City of West Palm Beach is pleased to be the site for this urban transportation pilot that will showcase innovation in tackling evolving transportation challenges.”
Jessica Keller, West Palm Beach Transportation and Mobility Manager
Auve Tech is a 100% Estonian-owned company that develops Level 4 autonomous vehicles to reduce personal car needs. The street-legal driverless vehicles operate in both open and restricted traffic on four continents.
The first phase of the West Palm Beach operation will last three months, and anyone who wishes can ride on an autonomous bus.
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