With its patronage, the district of Lippe is supporting the further development of the technology and at the same time reaffirming its commitment to expanding the region as a real-world laboratory for new mobility solutions.
Professor Jürgen Krahl, President of the (TH) OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts, emphasized the importance of this regional support: "The patronage shows how closely administration, science, and industry work together in Lippe. This connection has supported the project from the very beginning."
In an exchange with Professor Thomas Schulte, overall manager of the MONOCAB project portfolio, it became clear that developments from Lippe have long attracted attention beyond the region. There is interest in connection with the planned campus railway, among other things, and initial inquiries have already been received for applications in urban areas.
Together with technical project coordinators Fabian Kottemeier and Jens Elkenkamp, Indrajith Surekha Ranjith Kumar (VR applications), and Thorsten Försterling (marketing and public relations), the team presented the current status of development. A key success factor remains the close cooperation between the district of Lippe, TH OWL, regional companies, and numerous volunteers.
Several inquiries from Germany and abroad for possible test routes have already been received. On the initiative of the district, TH OWL has also submitted a funding application for extended test operations on the Begatalbahn railway line from 2027. The project is supported by the Extertal transport company and the Lippe municipal transport company. If funding is approved, MONOCABs could be driven automatically in more complex operating scenarios for the first time – an important step towards their later use in public transport.
The use of self-driving vehicles is also seen as an opportunity for the region: new mobility services can improve the quality of life in rural areas, promote economic development, and create new workstations.
During the visit, guests were given an insight into the development stages of the project – from the design model and test vehicles to a ride in the "Hermann" demonstrator. A virtual simulation also showed how the system could be used in the future.
The project recently received international attention when it won the European Committee's REGIOSTARS Award 2025. The award recognizes innovative projects that contribute to strengthening rural regions.
As the year progresses, the focus is now shifting to the next phase. "We are currently working on reliable data on transport capacity, market potential, and the framework conditions for admission," explains Thorsten Försterling. The aim is to attract investors and prepare for the transition from a research project to a marketable mobility system.