A driverless shuttle service will launch in Orkney, Scotland in support of a study on the impact and feasibility of using autonomous technology for rural transportation.
Residents of Kirkwall will be offered the chance to take free trips in an Auto-Pod shuttle service going between Kirkwall Harbour and Kirkwall Airport, a journey that is typically completed by private car rides.
The study hopes to prove that autonomous vehicles can offer efficient travel in rural communities that also reduces emissions significantly.
The event builds on existing work by Urban Foresight in Orkney to determine if self-driving zero-emission vehicles can improve connectivity on the island.
“This demonstrator event is an exciting opportunity for Orkney to experience autonomous technology up close,” said Callum White, head of zero emission mobility at Urban Foresight.
“It gives people the chance to ask questions, see how the vehicle operates, and share their views in a way that directly influences how autonomous mobility could work in rural areas.”
The Auto-Pods used in the study will be supplied by Coventry-based autonomous vehicle company Aurrigo.
“We’re proud to bring our autonomous pod to Orkney and demonstrate how this technology can operate safely and effectively in remote settings,” said Dr Richard Fairchild, chief operations officer at Aurrigo.
“Engagement events like this are crucial for building trust and shaping the future of autonomous transport.”
