Autonomous driving specialist Imagry and UNVI partner on electric buses, first deployment in Germany

Autonomous driving technology provider Imagry has partnered with Spanish bus manufacturer UNVI to integrate its AI-based, HD-mapless driving system into electric buses, with the first 10.3-metre vehicle set for deployment in Germany in Q3 2026.

Imagry has announced a strategic partnership with UNVI for the development of integrated autonomous electric buses. According to Imagry, the cooperation combines its AI-based autonomous driving technology with UNVI’s M3-category electric buses. UBSI is involved as the vehicle integration, procurement, leasing and lifecycle support partner.

The first vehicle resulting from the partnership is a 10.3-metre self-driving electric bus. Imagry states that integration was completed in less than three months and that the vehicle is pre-certified for WVTA (GSR2). The first deployment is scheduled in Germany during the third quarter of 2026.

Imagry technology on UNVI buses

Imagry provides AI-based autonomous driving technology covering perception, motion planning and vehicle control. According to the company, its system operates without HD maps and enables location-independent driverless operation.

The technology is being integrated into UNVI’s electric bus platform for applications including regular public transport services in cities and towns and operations within areas such as airports, medical centres and university campuses.

UNVI said that the initial project involves a complete electric bus solution, while the cooperation can also cover the integration of Imagry technology into different UNVI body configurations.

UBSI supplied the vehicle and, according to the Imagry press note, acts as the strategic partner for vehicle integration, procurement, leasing and lifecycle support. Its activities cover regulatory compliance, technical readiness, fleet deployment and operational support for buses supplied to Imagry.

First bus in Germany

The first integrated Imagry and UNVI vehicle measures 10.3 metres and features a fully electric powertrain. Imagry states that the bus is pre-certified for WVTA (GSR2).

Integration of the autonomous driving technology was completed in under three months, according to Imagry. The first vehicle is scheduled for deployment on a project in Germany in Q3 2026.

Imagry identifies public transportation operators and public transit authorities among the target users of the system. Its autonomous driving architecture does not require a predefined high-definition map of the operating area, according to the company.

In brief

• What is Imagry?
  Imagry is a provider of AI-based autonomous driving technology, including perception, motion planning and vehicle control.
• What are Imagry and UNVI developing?
  The companies have integrated Imagry’s autonomous driving technology into a UNVI electric bus.
• Does Imagry’s system require HD maps?
  No. Imagry describes its autonomous driving technology as HD-mapless and location-independent.
• When will the first bus be deployed?
  The first 10.3-metre vehicle is scheduled for deployment in Germany in Q3 2026.

Carlos Rivo, Managing Director of UNVI, said: “UNVI has extensive experience in developing and manufacturing bus bodies across a wide range of vehicle platforms and operational applications. Our cooperation with Imagry shows how this flexible approach can also support innovative autonomous mobility projects. Although this first project involves a complete electric bus solution, the broader opportunity lies in adapting Imagry’s technology to different UNVI body configurations.”

Eran Ofir, CEO of Imagry, said: “We are excited to bring Imagry autonomous driving capabilities to additional markets via UNVI’s electric bus models. Our flexible, cost effective, AI-based and field-proven technology, provides Public Transportation Operators and city planners with a quick and reliable way to meet their current and growing mobility challenges.”

Ibrahem Badawi, CEO of UBSI, said: “Deploying autonomous public transportation is far more than supplying a vehicle, it demands seamless coordination across engineering, regulatory compliance, homologation, procurement, integration, and operational reliability. This is where UBSI creates value, bridging technology developers, manufacturers, and transport operators to turn innovative concepts into reliable commercial operations. We’re proud to support Imagry and UNVI, and look forward to many more deployments.”