LUTZ Pathfinder is a pioneering research and development project that is carrying out the UK’s first trials in public pedestrianised areas of fully-automated (self-driving) vehicles. Overseen by the Transport Systems Catapult, the project is using electric-powered two-seater “pods” that operate on designated pedestrianised areas of Milton Keynes. The pods are designed and manufactured by Coventry-based automotive innovation firm RDM, and equipped with autonomous control systems developed by the University of Oxford’s world-leading Mobile Robotics Group.

There are three pods being trialled in the initial project. The findings from the research carried out using the three LUTZ Pathfinder pods will also be fed into the larger-scale UK Autodrive project that is set to trial a fleet of 40 pods (as well as regular road-based vehicles) operating in Milton Keynes and Coventry.

The three pods being used for the LUTZ Pathfinder trial have full automated capability, but for the duration of the trials, they will still have steering wheels and pedals, as well as a trained operator in each pod who will be ready to take control of the vehicles if necessary. The LUTZ Pathfinder trials are due to be completed in 2016, by which time the larger-scale UK Autodrive programme will be working towards the creation of a fleet of 40 fully autonomous pods that will be able to operate without test drivers.

The two-seater pods operating on the pedestrianised areas of Milton Keynes will be equipped with a wide range of sensors, including stereo cameras, LIDAR (laser-scanners) and radar-based obstacle detectors – as well as the computers required to process the incoming information and steer the pods. The pods use information from their sensors to work out where they are within a pre-mapped environment. GPS and other satellite navigation systems will not be used as primary sources for positioning the pods.

The pods have a maximum capable speed of 24kmh (15mph) but will be limited electronically depending upon the environment they are travelling in (for example, moving more slowly in congested areas). In general, they will move in pedestrianised areas at a brisk walking pace.

The LUTZ Pathfinder trials are being overseen by the Transport Systems Catapult which was established in 2013 as the UK’s technology and innovation centre for Intelligent Mobility.

Coventry-based firm RDM Group are responsible for designing and manufacturing the pods, while Oxford University’s Mobile Robotics Group are supplying the pods’ autonomous control systems. Milton Keynes Council are providing the pedestrianised areas that are serving as the project’s “urban laboratory”.

https://ts.catapult.org.uk/innovation-centre/cav/cav-projects-at-the-tsc/self-driving-pods/lutz-pathfinder-automated-pods-project-faq/