RDM to bring driverless vehicles to the UK

THE appearance of self-driving vehicles on UK pavements is moving a step closer to reality thanks to the expertise of a Coventry-based firm.

RDM Group, which employs 39 people at its Bilton Industrial Estate facility, has been announced as the manufacturing partner for the futuristic Low Caron Urban Transport Zone (LUTZ) Pathfinder project, which will see electric powered pods used in Milton Keynes next year.

The company, which has built its reputation for advanced vehicle design, niche builds and software development, was selected by project manager Transport Systems Catapult (TSC) following an open tender process, beating off competition from five other bids.

It will now work with Oxford University’s Mobile Robotics Group (MRG) to create the three test vehicles, which will carry up to two passengers and reach a top speed of approximately 7 mph.

David Keene, CEO at RDM Group, said: “We are delighted to have won this prestigious project following a very in-depth tendering process.

“The LUTZ Pathfinder project represents an opportunity for us to showcase our technical abilities in advanced vehicle design, development and build to both a UK and global audience.”

“We have invested heavily in attracting the right people with skills in advanced electronics, software development, mobile apps and vehicle engineering and all of these attributes will be brought into play to make sure this ambitious vision becomes reality.”

RDM will undertake the manufacture of the pods at its new £400,000 advanced engineering centre in Coventry and is planning to complete the first vehicle by the end of this year.

RDM has been shortlisted in the Manufacturer (SME) and Innovator categories of TheBusinessDesk.com’s West Midlands Business Masters Awards 2014. To read more about the awards click here.  

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