TheLUTZ Pathfinder is a prototypeautonomousmicrocar. The two-seater prototype pod has been built byCoventry-based RDM Group, and was first shown to the public in February 2015.
The LUTZ (Low-carbon Urban Transport Zone)[1] Pathfinder pod is part of the UK Government's Transport SystemsCatapult Autodrive project, a £20 million project.[2]
Three pods were tested initially inMilton Keynes during 2015 to ensure that they can comply with theHighway Code.[3]
The pod is a two-seater electric car with space for luggage. It has a limited top speed of 15 mph (24 km/h) and has a range of 40 miles (64 km) or can run for eight hours. The self-driving equipment includes 19 sensors, cameras, radar andLidar. Users can hail them by using a smartphone app.[4]
The autonomous control software is developed by Mobile Robotics Group fromUniversity of Oxford.[5]
The Lutz Pathfinder pod has been developed by theUK Automotive Council,Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and RDM Group.
The first trial of autonomous operation on a public road, with pedestrians, cycles and other vehicles, was conducted in Milton Keynes on 11 October 2016. The vehicles "operated as expected."[6]
