Perrone Robotics has surpassed one year of continuous autonomous transit operations in Detroit, establishing the longest-running public autonomous electric shuttle service in the United States. The CONNECT service, launched in August 2024, utilizes Ford E-Transit vans equipped with Perrone’s TONY® and MAX® autonomous vehicle platforms, marking the first deployment of autonomous public transit technology on this vehicle platform nationwide.
Highlights
- Operational milestone: Over 12 months of continuous autonomous transit service across a 10+ mile urban route in Detroit
- Fleet specifications: Ford E-Transit vans with Perrone TONY AV technology, fully FMVSS-compliant, ADA-compliant, and Buy America-compliant
- Contract scope: $1.5 million deployment including complete vehicle operations, technology integration, and ongoing support
- Service expansion: Steady ridership growth and route expansion connecting Rivertown Warehouse District through downtown to Corktown
Deployment Specifications and Route Details
The CONNECT autonomous fleet operates along an expansive 10+ mile route spanning multiple Detroit neighborhoods. The service corridor extends from the Rivertown Warehouse District through downtown Detroit to Corktown, with designated stops at:
- Entertainment venues and cultural centers
- Grocery stores and retail locations
- Community destinations and transit hubs
The zero-emission Ford E-Transit platform provides the foundation for Perrone’s autonomous technology deployment. Each vehicle integrates the company’s patented TONY (TO Navigate You) and MAX autonomous vehicle systems.
Technology Platform and Compliance Standards
Perrone Robotics’ TONY AV kit serves as the core autonomous system for the Detroit deployment. The technology has demonstrated consistent performance across multiple platforms over a two-year period on the Ford E-Transit specifically.
Regulatory and compliance achievements:
- FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) compliant
- ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant
- Buy America Act compliant
- Zero tailpipe emissions certification
The deployment represents U.S.-patented and U.S.-manufactured autonomous technology, with complete system design and production completed domestically.
Contract Performance and Operational Integration
The initial $1.5 million contract scope encompassed turnkey deployment services. Contract deliverables included:
- Complete vehicle procurement and outfitting
- Technology system integration and testing
- Ongoing operational support and maintenance
- Safety protocol implementation and monitoring
“The City of Detroit is committed to advancing real-world applications of autonomous mobility to improve transportation access and efficiency. Through our Connect AV pilot, we deployed the nation’s first fleet of autonomous Ford E-Transit vans, powered by Perrone’s TONY AV platform. This initiative provides critical insights into how scalable autonomy can enhance first- and last-mile connectivity in urban transit networks,” stated Tim Slusser, Chief of Mobility Innovation, City of Detroit.
Company Background and Technical Heritage
Perrone Robotics brings over 20 years of experience in automated vehicle systems to the Detroit deployment. The company has established operational history across multiple autonomous applications and vehicle platforms.
“Detroit has shown the world that autonomy can be done safely, reliably, and at scale,” said Paul Perrone, Founder and CEO of Perrone Robotics. “By combining our TONY and MAX systems with proven vehicle platforms like the Ford E-Transit, cities like Detroit can accelerate into an autonomous future today, not tomorrow.”
The company specializes in autonomous vehicle systems for transit, commercial, and government applications. The TONY AV and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) kits and MAX software platforms provide the technical foundation for scalable autonomous deployments.
Transit organizations evaluating autonomous vehicle technology for fleet integration can access technical specifications and deployment information at https://www.perronerobotics.com.
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