HOME Travel Guide Common Sense Travel
decorative font style
    Travel >> Holiday Travel >  >> Travel Notes

Wright Brothers National Memorial Debuts CASSI: America's First Self-Driving Shuttle in a National Park

Outer Banks Visitors: Experience the First Self-Driving Shuttle in a U.S. National Park—Available Only Until July 16

The Wright Brothers National Memorial has launched CASSI, the first electric, autonomous transit shuttle in a U.S. national park—a fitting innovation at the birthplace of powered flight. This trial runs through July 16.   We rode CASSI—standing for Connected Autonomous Shuttle Supporting Innovation—shortly after its debut. While fully autonomous, a safety operator is onboard to intervene if needed. The shuttle travels at 12 mph along a one-mile fixed route from the visitor center to the base of Kill Devil Hill, beneath the iconic 60-foot granite monument erected in 1932.   Wright Brothers National Memorial Debuts CASSI: America s First Self-Driving Shuttle in a National Park   From this stop, visitors can access the 2003 centennial memorial sculpture—a full-scale bronze replica of the Wright Flyer and the seven witnesses to the historic December 17, 1903, first flight. Created by North Carolina sculptor Steven H. Smith, it recreates the exact moment captured in the famous photograph and was installed for the 100th anniversary, which attracted over 120,000 attendees.   Each 7-minute leg offers just six seats, so popular days may involve short waits for this National Park Service (NPS) milestone. The nearly three-month pilot assesses safety, public feedback, and collects valuable data.   Built by EasyMile in Toulouse, France—a leader in autonomous shuttles for passengers and goods—CASSI's $50,000 monthly operations are funded by a partnership between the NPS and the North Carolina Department of Transportation.   Wright Brothers National Memorial Debuts CASSI: America s First Self-Driving Shuttle in a National Park   Our standby operator, with 40 years training bus and streetcar drivers from New Orleans, shared with a smile: "When I stepped into an autonomous vehicle, I thought, 'What happened to the bus?' I've loved every minute since."   CASSI uses two 48-volt lithium batteries for GPS and electronics, plus a 12-volt car battery. Its GPS-mapped route leverages data from over 20 satellites in real time. At its core is a LiDAR system providing 360-degree awareness: it emits thousands of laser pulses per second, detecting vehicles, pedestrians, even birds—ensuring safe navigation. Just as the Wright brothers revolutionized travel, CASSI advances the future of transportation.
Travel Notes
  • 8 Last-Minute Memorial Day Weekend Getaways: Effortless Destinations Packed with Events

    If youve delayed booking your Memorial Day Weekend trip, theres no need to worry. Weve selected eight destinations that require minimal advance planning or expense, yet offer abundant activities and attractions upon arrival. Choose one, pack your bags—even if its the morning of—and enjoy a memorable escape. Washington, D.C. As the premier Memorial Day destination, the nations capital hosts the 15th anniversary of the National Memorial Day Parade—Americas largest—which promises to be especially p

  • -

    Hello and welcome to our inaugural blog post! Were dedicated to keeping you connected to the Outer Banks year-round with exclusive behind-the-scenes insights and introductions to the vibrant locals of the OBX. Our seasoned experts—the OBXperts—deliver firsthand accounts and insider knowledge to transport you to this unique coastline. As the true heartbeat of the Outer Banks, they share captivating stories of our rich history and the elemental rhythm of life on the sandbar. Wind, water, and sand—

  • First Impressions of Nepal: Power Outages, Icy Showers, and Travel Gratitude

    My hotel room plunges into darkness as the backup generator outside rumbles to a stop. Still unfamiliar with this space after just one hour, I fumble for my laptop—my only light source besides the unlit candle across the room in the bathroom. I should have packed my headlamp. Im clearly unprepared for Nepal. I open my laptop to finish preparing for bed, careful not to wake my sleeping roommate. My first hours in Nepal have been eventful. Fresh from the airport, my roommate insists on a shower n