RDM Group, which employs 43 people at its engineering centre in the city, will showcase a prototype of the driverless pod that will be the first autonomous vehicle used in public areas when it takes to the pavements of Milton Keynes later this year.
The 'LUTZ' Pathfinder pod was revealed at a cross-Government launch event by Transport Systems Catapult, the UK's innovation centre for intelligent transport systems.
Electric powered, the vehicle can seat two people, will travel at a maximum speed of 15mph and boasts a range of 40 miles. It uses sensor and navigation technology provided by the University of Oxford's Mobile Robotics Group.
The build of the first prototype has taken 10 months to complete and has involved eight specialist engineers at RDM. It is anticipated that three pods will be manufactured ready for trials in June.
"We are thrilled to be part of such a groundbreaking project that has the potential to prove that driverless vehicles can be used safely and effectively on our pavements and roads," said David Keene, chief executive officer at RDM Group.
The driverless pods are being built at RDM's £400,000 advanced engineering centre in the heart of Coventry.
Keene, who started the business 22 years ago, added: "We've invested heavily in ensuring we have the necessary skills in design, electronics and niche vehicle development to make LUTZ a success.
"This contract will help us pass £10m in annual sales this year and has the potential to create a further five high value engineering jobs. More importantly, we believe we've created a robust and visually exciting prototype that will showcase the best of British design and engineering."
