The new service is being trialled by Darwin Innovation Group, using a shuttle created by Navya. The company previously provided shuttles for trials in an urban setting in Switzerland.
The autonomous shuttle service operates at Harwell Science Campus during weekdays, morning to evening. It travels two routes, one along Fermi Avenue and one along Eighth Avenue, with the ESA building being the central stop for both routes. There is no cost to ride the shuttle, which is currently available to campus pass-holders and registered guests of pass-holders.
The shuttle – which is battery powered – uses lidar to help navigate safely in its surroundings, in addition to cameras and ultrasound sensors. The shuttle also features a satellite antenna for positioning. While there is no steering wheel, the shuttle has safety controls managed by an on-board operator through the trial.
Darwin – which specialises in combining terrestrial and satellite communications – will...