Local Motors by LM Industries Group Inc., known for 3D-printed mobility solutions, is opening an Australian fleet challenge for its autonomous shuttle known as Olli. (Earlier post.)

The challenge invites Australian municipalities, campuses, designated districts and transit or transportation operators to propose short-term, best-use scenarios for the self-driving shuttle, which is already operating along a thoroughfare in cooperation with a public transit system in Glenelg.

The Australian challenge follows similar, first-of-its-kind challenges in Sacramento, Calif. and the Greater Washington, D.C. area. Sacramento State, a public university in California, is preparing to receive its fleet of Olli shuttles after being named a winner of the challenge in December. Judges will begin evaluating entries for the Greater Washington challenge in early February.

Jay Rogers, CEO and co-founder of Local Motors, believes these challenges, which will be held in additional markets, is a way to introduce the general public to the concept and benefits of autonomous transportation.

A panel of judges with industry experience and background will evaluate the entries. Judges include Michael Heath, Head of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Canberra; Mark Ullah, an industry lead in charge of future cities, mobility and growth markets for Telstra Enterprise in Brisbane; Tony Mobbs, head of CTP insurance with Allianz Australia in Sydney; and Rita Excell, Executive Director at ADVI in Adelaide.

The entry window for the Australian challenge is open immediately and will close 27 March 2019. Interested applicants may visit localmotors.com to apply and to learn more about the rules and requirements associated with the fleet challenge. A winning entry is expected to be announced in late April. Olli shuttles will be deployed to the winning location once route mapping is completed.