Autonomous mobility: important investments for organizations

11.03.2026

Autonomous shuttles, robotaxis and driverless logistics vehicles are emerging around the world. Interest in autonomous solutions is also growing in Germany, whether in public transport, at company locations or in rural regions. However, the path from the idea to autonomous operation is complex and requires targeted investment. This involves not only vehicles, but also knowledge, organizational structures and the necessary infrastructure.

Investing in knowledge

New tasks and responsibilities arise for the operation of autonomous vehicles. Some activities that were previously carried out by drivers will have to be handled by control centers, fleet management and digital systems in the future. At the same time, new tasks will be added, such as technical supervision or software updates - responsibilities, structures and processes must be created for this.

At the same time, intensive stakeholder management is necessary: Municipalities, transport companies, manufacturers and software providers must be continuously involved. In practice, the biggest challenges are often not to be found in the technology, but in the lack of resources for project management, coordination and decision-making processes.

Investment in organization

Although autonomous vehicles replace personnel, they do not replace responsibility for operations. New organizational structures are needed to operate control centres, safety processes and technical monitoring effectively. In addition, various stakeholders - from authorities and transport companies to technology providers - must work closely together. This requires time, coordination and clear responsibilities. A lack of capacity in project management is therefore often seen as the biggest obstacle.

Investment in infrastructure and vehicles

Autonomous vehicles are currently still more expensive than conventional vehicles, partly due to elaborate sensor technology, powerful computers and complex software. Investments also need to be made in digital mapping, control centers, charging infrastructure and communication systems. Preparing an autonomous deployment area can also be time-consuming, as routes have to be mapped in detail and integrated into the system.

Guidance for organizations

Organizations planning autonomous projects should clarify at an early stage which roles are required in operations, which organizational structures need to be set up, which approvals are required and which investments will be necessary in preparation and implementation. A structured view of these issues facilitates planning, reduces risks and supports internal decision-making processes.