Aurrigo, the autonomous vehicle division of RDM Group, is testing its Pod Zero on a network of mapped courses at the Tonsley Innovation District in South Australia to explore a possible solution to carrying and delivering cargo around the technology precinct.
Manufacturing work on a further two pods is being carried out at the firm’s advanced engineering centre in the UK and these will be sent over by March next year as the trials pick up pace.
Adorned in the red and white brand of South Australia, the Pod Zero has an operating speed of up to 24km/h, multiple battery options up to eight hours or 80 kilometers and, if not carrying cargo, can be fitted out to seat four people.
They all operate autonomously through multiple sensor technologies, including stereo cameras, LiDARS (laser-based light detection and ranging sensors), odometry and ultrasonics.
Explains Aurrigo’s autonomous programmes director for Australia and Asia Pacific, Roger van der Lee: “Australia is well placed in the global race to introduce driverless vehicles to the road network and our pods offer the opportunity for the public to experience this transport technology in a way that delivers real benefit while seamlessly integrating into our daily lives.
“We showcased our capabilities to the Australian Driverless Vehicle Initiative (ADVI) back in 2016 and, from there, have been working with them to establish our Adelaide operation and to look at setting-up trials in Australia.”
He continues: “The initiative at Tonsley Innovation District is the direct result of funding from the South Australian Government’s $10m Future Mobility Lab Fund, supporting the development of driverless car technologies. We’re proud to be involved in one of the first projects and delighted to see UK technology being used over 10,000 miles away.”
