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Futuristic self-driving pods arrive at Heaton Park as part of ‘driverless vehicle’ trial
The heated pods will take guests on trips around the park without the need of a driver
In a scene that wouldn’t be out of place in an episode of Black Mirror, Heaton Park has today welcomed the arrival of futuristic self-driving pods.
The pods, manufactured by Westfield Technology Group as a part of their Project Synergy, will be driving visitors on a set route around the park, starting from Heaton Hall and travelling down past the lake.
The driverless pods use ‘intelligent perception solution’ technology which utilises cutting edge LIDAR and Radar technologies alongside AI camera systems, allowing them to be fully aware of their surroundings within a 100 metre range.
Westfield Technology Group
Westfield Technology Group
New sensor technologies also mean they can facilitate ‘platooning’, allowing the vehicles to follow each other in a controlled formation, carrying up to four passengers in each one.
The overall aim of Project Synergy is to accelerate the adoption of autonomous, connected and driverless vehicles in the UK.
According to Westfield Technology Group, around 50,000 tons of carbon was saved each year at a previous trial of the pods at London Heathrow. They also estimate that using an on-demand pod service system out in public would save approximately 20,000 bus journeys per year.
Two of the pods will be in action from next week as part of a trial aimed at gauging public reaction to them. It is hoped a positive response will ‘provide a compelling argument’ for organisations such as Manchester City Council to consider making them a permanent fixture.
Westfield Technology Group
Westfield Technology Group
Partners of the project include Manchester City Council, Transport for Greater Manchester, Cisco, Stockport Council, Manchester Metropolitan University and Harper Adams University.
Harry Woolvine, Business Development Executive at Westfield Technology Group, said on the pods: “The collaborative nature of this new project just highlights the local excitement for these new sustainable technologies in the Manchester area.
“The trail is coinciding with the Lightopia display throughout the park, offering an even more unique opportunity to see this incredible light display whilst experiencing these new revolutionary technologies.
“We are looking forward to showing this ground breaking technology to Heaton Park’s visitors next week.”
The project will be in the park from the 6th -10th of December.