Member Article

RDM and TE Connectivity showcase driverless pod

One of the UK’s autonomous vehicle specialists and TE Connectivity (TE), a world leader in connectivity and sensor solutions, has joined forces to bring a groundbreaking driverless pod to Germany for the first time.

Visitors to TE’s exhibit (Hall 2, Stand 225) at electronica 2016 will see one of the first prototypes of RDM Group’s ‘Pod Zero’, which includes nearly 100 different connectivity solutions, seats up to four people, reaches a top speed of 15 mph off-highway and has a total operational distance of 60 miles between charges.

The two firms have been working closely together to develop autonomous solutions that can provide the world with this innovative first and last mile transport solution.

David Keene, CEO of RDM Group, was delighted with the news: “We have been working with TE Connectivity for many years, using their products within our wiring harnesses for our many automotive OEM customers. More recently, we have used their design expertise and technology to develop solutions for our driverless pods.

“These are now being built into the pods that you will soon be seeing in Milton Keynes and Coventry and this agreement at the show will extend the relationship so that we will use their products in our ‘Pod Zero’ range when it enters low to medium volume production.”

He continued: “And what a better way to announce it than by showcasing one of the pods at electronica, the first time it will have been seen in Germany.”

This is the latest stop in RDM’s ‘Pod Zero’ tour, which will take in more than 10 countries over the next year.

One of the very first prototype vehicles is currently at the start of a year-long stay in Australia, where it has already exhibited at the Intelligent Transportation Systems Congress in Melbourne before making its way to Adelaide and then onto other major cities.

Interest in the pods - available in two, four, six and eight seat variations - has been huge, and RDM Group is currently in talks with local authorities, airports, universities and others on becoming first adopters. This alone is estimated to be worth £20m and could involve production of up to 250 vehicles over the next 12 months.

David concluded: “RDM’s investment into developing our own pods – together with the complex autonomous control systems and advanced sensors that are required for safe operation – is really starting to pay off. We are on the verge of signing some very large contracts and expanding worldwide.”

The electronica trade fair runs through to November 11.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Russ Cockburn .