LUTZ Pathfinder
The LUTZ Pathfinder is a prototype autonomous microcar. The two-seater prototype pod has been built by Coventry-based RDM Group, and was first shown to the public in February 2015.
The LUTZ (Low-carbon Urban Transport Zone)[1] Pathfinder pod is part of the UK Government's Transport Systems Catapult Autodrive project, a £20 million project.[2]
Three pods were tested initially in Milton Keynes during 2015 to ensure that they can comply with the Highway Code.[3]
Specification[edit]
The pod is a two-seater electric car with space for luggage. It has a limited top speed of 15 mph (24 km/h) and has a range of 40 miles (64 km) or can run for eight hours. The self-driving equipment includes 19 sensors, cameras, radar and Lidar. Users can hail them by using a smartphone app.[4]
The autonomous control software is developed by Mobile Robotics Group from University of Oxford.[5]
Partners[edit]
The Lutz Pathfinder pod has been developed by the UK Automotive Council, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and RDM Group.
Public trials[edit]
The first trial of autonomous operation on a public road, with pedestrians, cycles and other vehicles, was conducted in Milton Keynes on 11 October 2016. The vehicles "operated as expected."[6]
References[edit]
- ^ Brown, Graeme (30 May 2014). "Midland firm chosen to make UK first driverless cars". Birmingham Post. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
- ^ Burn-Callander, Rebecca (11 February 2015). "This is the Lutz pod, the UK's first driverless car". Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 11 February 2015. Retrieved 11 February 2015.
- ^ Davies, Rob (2016-10-11). "Self-driving car tested for first time in UK in Milton Keynes". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2019-08-02.
- ^ Jane, Wakefield (11 February 2015). "Driverless car review launched by UK government". BBC News. Retrieved 11 February 2015.
- ^ Olson, Parmy (18 February 2016). "The Powerful Brain Behind Driverless Fleets Is Already Being Built". Forbes. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
- ^ Davis, Rob (12 October 2016). "Driverless car passes first public test in UK". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 October 2016.
External links[edit]
- Official website
- RDM Group product page Archived 2017-05-12 at the Wayback Machine
