Accessibility from the Start: INYO and Allianz Test Autonomous Mobility with Verena Bentele
On November 3, 2026, INYO Mobility and the Allianz Center for Technology (AZT), together with inclusion expert and 12-time Paralympic champion Verena Bentele, conducted tests in Grafing to explore how blind and visually impaired people can use autonomous shuttles. The focus was on the journey from the starting point to the vehicle door. The test drives also resulted in a joint film documenting the project.
The Final Few Meters Make All the Difference
For people with visual impairments, the challenges often begin before the journey itself. In busy locations such as train stations, traffic noise, pedestrians and confusing surroundings can make it difficult to locate a booked vehicle. Is it on the left or right? Where is the door? Today, the driver usually helps passengers with this. In an autonomous vehicle, the entire system must take over this task.
The Test
During the test drives in Grafing, an app showed Verena Bentele the location of the shuttle and guided her towards the vehicle door using an acoustic signal. The signal changes as she gets closer to the vehicle.
Bentele compares the system to biathlon, where she also used an acoustic signal to locate the target. "The system takes on exactly the role of a guide runner, helping with the final adjustments over the last few meters."
INYO's Approach: Making Inclusion Part of the Development Process
INYO Mobility is developing the INYO Cab, a four-seat electric Level 4 autonomous vehicle designed for public transport. It operates on demand, providing first- and last-mile connections.
Since autonomous operation does not involve an onboard driver, INYO incorporates the needs of people with physical disabilities into the development process from an early stage. The goal is to create an inclusive vehicle that promotes social participation.
"The first and last mile is an integral part of the public transport system. Only when these connections are reliably served can public transport become a genuine alternative to using a private car. With INYO, we are bringing autonomous vehicles precisely to the places where the system is incomplete today," says Rauno Fuchs, Chief Business Officer at INYO Mobility.
Practical Requirements
INYO and Allianz are committed to engaging directly with people with disabilities. Following the test drives, Verena Bentele identified several specific requirements:
An approach signal that guides passengers all the way to the vehicle door
Information indicating which side of the road the vehicle is parked on
Guidance on crossing lanes and navigating traffic islands along the route
Real-time alerts about obstacles such as e-scooters and construction barriers
Accessible vehicle identification, as the license plate cannot be read
Audio descriptions of available seats and controls when entering the vehicle
Voice control that works reliably even in noisy street environments
An app that is immediately intuitive and easy to use, including for older people and those less familiar with technology
"Accessibility must be an integral part of the entire system from the very first design stage. When research and practical experience work closely together in this way, solutions emerge that benefit the entire public transport system," says Verena Bentele.
Particularly Relevant in Rural Areas
Bentele gives a personal example: when visiting her parents in the countryside, she currently relies on someone picking her up at the train station. An autonomous shuttle that she could book herself and that would take her the final few kilometers home would represent "a major step forward in terms of participation and independence."
Cooperation with Allianz
Among other areas, the AZT researches the safety of autonomous vehicles, liability issues and the use of vehicle data in the event of accidents. To support this work, the AZT has established a research cooperation with INYO. Allianz already provides insurance coverage for INYO vehicles.
"Autonomous mobility is, above all, also a question of social participation," says Christian Sahr, Head of the AZT.
