Driverless vehicle firm uses Birmingham show to debut next generation car

A COVENTRY firm is set to unveil the next generation of driverless pods at a major automotive exhibition in Birmingham.

RDM Group, which is heavily involved in the Government-backed LUTZ and UK AutoDrive projects, will use the Automechanika event – which takes place at the NEC tomorrow (Tuesday) – to reveal its new ‘Pod Zero’ range.

The company has invested substantially in creating the new autonomous pods that, for the first time, will be available in two, four and eight-seat variations.

The vehicles are being targeted for use by local city transport authorities, airports, shopping centres and theme parks.

David Keene, CEO, RDM Group said: “Visitors to the show will be able to view the four-seat ‘Pod Zero’.

“This is a massive day for our company and puts us right at the forefront of driverless pod manufacturing.”

He said Pod Zero represented the next generation of autonomous vehicle and featured different drivetrain and steering systems. The vehicle also features a striking interior that is dominated by video screens that can play adverts, information videos or just become neutral to showcase the view from outside.

The firm has used its involvement with the LUTZ project and moved it on significantly.

“We now have a manufacturing process that could be ramped up to meet more than £15m of anticipated new orders,” said Mr Keene.

All the firm’s pods will have a range of 60 miles and will able to travel with a top speed of 15mph. They have also been designed to accommodate disabled people and have wheelchair access.

RDM’s aim has been to design, develop and integrate its own autonomous control system (ACS), which means the company can offer a single-source solution for driverless pods.

It has recruited 12 specialists to create the ACS, who together represent some of the best minds in the field of autonomous vehicle technology.

Mr Keene said: “We quickly realised the importance of being able to deliver a complete solution, from design and manufacture of the pods to being able to develop the autonomous systems that drive it.

“With the new team in place, RDM can now manufacture to up to 200 driverless pods per year at our Coventry site and this capability could grow if we decide to move to a new purpose-built facility in the city.”

Such a move will be driven by the amount of interest generated through confirmed orders.

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