Introduction to Automated Transport Systems

The course comprises of:
• Introduction to automated vehicles and the transport system
• Basics of people needs to move and access
• Sensing, processing, and communication technology basics
• Tradeoffs and issues in hardware and software design
• Basic ethical and legal issues
• Emerging mobility and logistics business models.

Learning outcomes – After completing the course student will be able to:

  • Describe the context and main features of automated transport systems
  • Explain the basics of users’ needs to move and access
  • Recall the technological basis of sensing, processing, and communicating in automated transport systems
  • Recognise tradeoffs and issues in the hardware and software design of automated vehicles
  • Define the basic ethical and legal issues of automated transport systems
  • Outline emerging mobility and logistics business models of automated transport systems.

Course level: Advanced, Doctoral

Credits: 5 ECTS

Language: English

Implemention: Continuous during academic year 2025-2026. The course is an online course that can be studied individually in one’s own pace. To complete the course, the final essay is to be delivered latest by the end of May 2026.

Assessment methods:

  • Assignments
  • Learning diary
  • A final activity

Study methods:

  • Video lectures
  • Individual studying

Learning material includes video lecture recordings and research and policy papers.

Organising university: Aalto University (course code SPT-E6010)

Pre-requisites: No pre-requisites

Course enrollment:

  • Students at LUT University, Tampere University, University of Lapland, and University of Turku, please use direct cross-institutional registration through your university’s Sisu or Peppi system. You can find information on cross-institutional studies (ristiinopiskelu in Finnish) from your universities own website (e.g., Tampere University’s site).
  • Students at Aalto University register directly through Aalto’s Sisu system.
  • Students in other ENACT universities (i.e., Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and University of Vaasa), please use this online form: https://link.webropolsurveys.com/S/7E7B67D89B373363.