Trials for an autonomous shuttle service began in the UK on 27 May.

According to an article on The Engineer, the Aurrigo Auto-Shuttle is a world first – an electric autonomous purpose-built shuttle that can manoeuvre through surroundings with minimal assistance from an operator.

It utilises a variety of scanners, sensors and cameras that help to form a map for the shuttle to move through.

“The shuttles… will run autonomously for the majority of the route using our in-house developed Auto-Stack driving software and the latest LIDAR and camera technology to identify potential hazards as they move around,” said David Keene, who is CEO of Aurrigo.

Comprised partially of a lightweight composite frame, the shuttle has a range of over 120 miles. The trials will see passengers hop aboard the bus at the Madingley Road Park and Ride to then be taken to Cambridge University’s West Campus.

“We’ve completed successful trials in city centres, in retirement complexes and at major golf tournaments, but this is the first time these vehicles will be sharing the route with everyday traffic,” said Keene.

This is a trial backed by Innovate UK and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV). Its purpose is to explore the potential of autonomous shuttle services, whilst also analysing how technology like the software used for this particular bus could minimise congestion in the future.