Aurrigo has completed a pilot programme at Inverness Airport and the University of the Highlands and Islands Inverness Campus, transporting passengers in its autonomous shuttles.
The trial, which concluded on 30 August, tested Aurrigo’s smaller Auto-Pod and larger Auto-Shuttle.
The trial sought public opinion on autonomous vehicles and assessed the feasibility of introducing a low-cost, on-demand service in the region.
This forms part of an initiative to tackle transportation challenges in the Highlands and Islands, which are home to remote areas and limited infrastructure.
The use of electric autonomous shuttles also supports Scotland’s NetZero goals by aiming to reduce travel times and CO2 emissions.
Ranald Robertson, Director of HITRANS, said:HITRANS are delighted to be a partner in this project which will help improve our understanding of what passenger transport might look like in the Highlands and Islands in the future.
The project, funded through Innovate UK and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles’ CAM competition, involved collaboration between the University of Glasgow, HITRANS, Aurrigo International plc, Stagecoach North Scotland, and Darwin Innovation Group Ltd.
Throughout the trial, the Auto-Pod was used to cover 750 metres of the 1.2km journey from the new rail station to the airport terminal.
Prof. David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo, said:Operating at Inverness Airport highlights the diverse environments where Aurrigo’s automated vehicles can truly make an impact. The aviation industry as a whole offers countless opportunities for this innovative technology to enhance operations, improve safety, and transform the passenger experience.
