Solihull Council has become the first local authority in the UK to purchase its own fully electric autonomous shuttle, which it will initially be trialling at the NEC over the next four weeks.
The driverless shuttle, from Coverntry-based Aurrigo, will be used to test how connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) might be integrated into the borough’s transport network in the future.
The shuttle can carry up to eight passengers and uses a suite of sensors to understand its surroundings, allowing it to move around safely, interacting with live traffic with little or no operator input. For the purposes of the trial, in line with current UK legislation, a safety operator will be on-board at all times, who will have the ability to take control of the shuttle if required.
The trial at the NEC will see the shuttle operate autonomously along a one mile pre-mapped section of Pendigo Way between Hall 5 and Resorts World.
Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), said: “The region is at the cutting edge of the development of CAV technology and this real world trial offers an excellent opportunity to understand the role autonomous vehicles can play in our transport system.
“This technology has the potential to change the way we travel and will no doubt become a key part of our future transport system. On top of that, this emerging high-value sector in research and manufacturing is already playing an increasingly important role in the Green Industrial Revolution happening right here in the West Midlands.”
Part of the wider UK central investment programme being funded by WMCA, investment for the shuttle was secured through the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP). The success of this initial trial will provide knowledge and experience of CAVs in a real-world environment.
The council added the trial could lead to driverless vehicles being rolled-out elsewhere in Solihull in the future.
Cllr Ken Hawkins, cabinet portfolio holder for environment & infrastructure, added: “CAV technology has the potential revolutionise the way we get around our towns, cities and rural areas as well as transport goods.
“This trial is all about looking at how we can practically and safely start to incorporate autonomous vehicles into our future transport infrastructure. Already one of the best connected destinations in the UK and Europe, the NEC is the perfect place to trial our shuttle and look at how it can be used to improve the first and last mile passenger experience.
“Alongside the obvious environmental benefits, this is an excellent example of how smart technology could be used to cut congestion and improve public transport.”
