Aurrigo, which has three technical/sales offices in Australia, Canada and the US, has been working with US firms Comet Mobility and Via to equip three ‘Pod Zeros’ with the latest Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology from a multinational technology specialist.
The Comet Mobility Experience will be unveiled at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas tomorrow and will allow delegates to experience a 6 to 8-minute ride in an autonomous pod designed and built in the UK. It’s being part-funded by the UK’s Department for International Trade, Meridian and the Advanced Propulsion Centre.
During the journey riders can ask questions about weather, destinations, the partners behind the project and discuss general knowledge or even ask the pod to tell it a joke, all using a specially crafted Artificial Intelligence platform.
“This is the first time our autonomous pods have been equipped with the latest AI technology, which has been designed to learn more with less data,” explained Miles Garner, sales and marketing director for Aurrigo, the autonomous vehicle division of RDM Group.
“The idea behind the project is to highlight how UK and US firms can collaborate to create a smart, automated and zero carbon ‘last mile mobility’ solution. Delegates will see how self-driving pods can provide a practical, safe and enjoyable experience that is truly immersive and educational.”
He continued: “This technology is ideal for tourists, corporate users, shopping centres promoting the latest offers and even University campuses that are notoriously difficult to navigate.
“Teaming up with Comet Mobility and aligning with Via is a major milestone for our business and highlights how far we have come with our autonomous pods and software platforms. CES is the biggest innovation show in the world and a fantastic showcase for this partnership.”
The pods seat up to four people, can travel at 15 mph and cover up to 60 miles on one charge, recently playing the lead role in UK Autodrive, the world’s largest multi-connected and autonomous vehicle demonstration.
The UK’s International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox MP, said: “The showcase of smart, automated vehicles at CES is the result of a groundbreaking transatlantic collaboration and I’m pleased my international economic department was able to help make it possible.
“Thanks to the work of trailblazing British companies like Aurrigo, the UK will remain at the forefront of the design and manufacture of zero-emission, connected and autonomous vehicles, ensuring we seize the opportunities presented by the transformation of mobility.”
