An AI-driven autonomous delivery vehicle developed by British start-up Academy of Robotics will reportedly be the first such custom-built vehicle to travel on UK roads.
Kar-go will begin contactless delivery trials from a pharmacy to care homes in Hounslow, London following approval from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.
The automated delivery robot, which uses Tesla batteries, is designed to operate on unmarked roads as well as in urban centres. Academy of Robotics said it plans to expand its delivery range beyond London in the future and introduce deliveries from depots to work sites.
UK transport minister, Rachel Maclean, said: “Autonomous delivery vehicles, such as Kar-go, can offer safer and speedier delivery of medical supplies to those who need it the most. The UK is well-placed as a science superpower to lead the world in this area and I’m delighted to support projects that drive green innovation, promote a clean transport future and help the economy.”
Kar-go will first perform semi-autonomous deliveries before gradually increasing the level of autonomy. In accordance with current legislation, a safety driver, who can take over at any time, will be on board. The vehicle uses algorithms that can learn and self-optimise in real-time to make the right decisions and ensure multiple fail-safe layers are in place.
All elements of the vehicle’s operation, from cameras and software logs, feed back to its Command Hub, enabling the vehicle’s position to be monitored and controlled remotely. Diagnostics data transmitted to the Command Hub will also offer an early warning system alerting researchers to any emerging issues.
William Sachiti, CEO of Academy of Robotics, said: “Kar-go’s first deliveries represent a key milestone for the wider automotive industry. Alongside our partners at Eurovia UK we have been working closely with Department for Transport’s Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles and key London stakeholders. This is to ensure that safety is at the heart of everything we do and we are grateful for the support we have received.”
The first autonomous road deliveries follow years of data gathering and testing, using simulators, real-world environments and live technology trials in locations including rural Wales and Surrey. The road deliveries will focus on arrival and departure procedures, where no human contact is involved right up to receipt of the package.
The project has received funding from UK Research and Innovation as part of the government’s modern industrial strategy. The investment will help scale-up Academy of Robotics’ technology, with further deliveries set up in London and the surrounding area before the end of the year.
