Self-driving shuttles take to Coventry’s roads

Following the extension of the Solihull self-driving shuttle trial, Coventry University will lead research into how the shuttles can be safely monitored and supported.

The Solihull and Coventry Automated Links Evolution (SCALE) project is exploring how autonomous vehicles can safely operate in busy urban areas, with self-driving shuttles deployed earlier this year to explore their potential as a safer and more efficient way to move people around.

The trial saw the launch of three fully electric, self-driving shuttles running a short route around the NEC in Solihull during major events, linking key locations such as the bp pulse LIVE Arena with VIP and Blue Badge parking.

The shuttles can carry up to 14 passengers and are fitted with cameras and sensors that allow the vehicles to detect their surroundings and safely navigate live traffic.

The next phase of the project, known as SCALE 2, aims to expand the service to a longer 7km route between Birmingham International rail station and Birmingham Business Park – a location that sees up to 10,000 visitors each day.

Researchers from the university’s Centre for Future Transport and Cities will explore how to safely and effectively support the shuttles from a remote operations centre, including making sure the communication between the vehicles and the centre is safe and secure.

As part of this, the researchers will assess how well the shuttle systems can withstand cyber-attacks and attempts to interfere with their operation, ensuring the vehicles can run safely and reliably in busy locations such as major transport hubs and business parks where even minor disruptions could affect thousands of people.

Coventry University researchers will also study how people can best monitor and assist the shuttles remotely, while also exploring how different passenger groups – including vulnerable users such as lone female travellers – experience and respond to the technology.

Whilst our automated shuttle used on SCALE2 is full of technology to ensure it can safely navigate busy public spaces, the limiting factor for the use of these vehicles has, and will always be, public trust in the technology. Whether this be trust that it won't be hacked, trustworthy operation without an onboard driver, or trust to use a vehicle late at night. The university's research will support the rollout of automated shuttles that are safe, secure and trusted by people.

Professor Stewart Birrell, Director of Coventry University’s Research Centre for Future Transport and Cities, said: “Our CAM shuttle trial has already delivered hugely valuable real-world insight into how automated vehicles can safely operate in busy, public settings. With the expansion into a more complex route, we’re entering an exciting next chapter. This phase will further deepen our understanding and move us one step closer to a future where safer, smarter and more sustainable transport is an everyday reality."

Cllr Andy Mackiewicz, cabinet member for climate change and planning, said: “Coventry University is part of a consortium for the SCALE project, led by Solihull Council and including Ohmio, Transport for West Midlands, WMG – The University of Warwick, Coventry City Council, IPG, dRISK, and the NEC.”

The SCALE project is funded by the UK government’s Connected and Automated Mobility Pathfinder, which is part of a wider £150m initiative to accelerate the development and deployment of connected and automated mobility technologies across the UK.