Autonomous shuttle on trial in Christchurch

The first trial of a driverless shuttle has begun at Christchurch International Airport.

HMI Technologies and Christchurch International Airport will conduct a two-year research trial into a Navya shuttle.

The trial is initially taking place on a private airport road visible from the airport’s passenger terminal.

“Autonomous vehicles are an important part of the future of transport, offering potential safety, efficiency and environmental benefits. To fully realise these benefits, we need to work with the private sector to test how new technologies will work in our different environments”, said Transport Minister Simon Bridges.

“It’s exciting to see a New Zealand-initiated trial where the skills and knowledge about managing and deploying the technology will transfer to New Zealanders.”

HMI Technologies and Christchurch International Airport will be working closely with the New Zealand Transport Agency and the Ministry of Transport as the trial progresses.

The information gathered during the research trial will be used to help make sure vehicles operating in public spaces in the future are safe.

Image courtesy of Navya

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook