A groundbreaking autonomous vehicle trial has officially launched in Solihull, located in the West Midlands, UK. Visitors attending events at the NEC Birmingham can now experience an innovative self-driving shuttle service, designed to operate during peak event times. This initiative is part of the Solihull & Coventry Automated Links Evolution (SCALE) project, a collaborative effort aimed at exploring the potential role of autonomous vehicles in future transportation systems.
The initial phase of the trial debuted last week, offering a shuttle link between BP Pulse Live Arena and the VIP & blue badge parking area. This launch coincided with an international trade delegation visit organized by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) in partnership with Zenzic. The event saw delegates from countries including China, the USA, Korea, Germany, Spain, France, Mexico, Slovakia, and Turkey become some of the first passengers to experience these state-of-the-art, self-driving vehicles.
Now open to the public, the shuttle service is set to operate during major events at the NEC, including the highly anticipated Commercial Vehicle Show. Over time, the project will expand in phases, ultimately enabling a fleet of three fully electric autonomous shuttles to operate along a 7km route. By the summer, these shuttles will connect passengers between Birmingham International rail station, the NEC, and Birmingham Business Park, creating a seamless and efficient transport link within the region.
The SCALE project is being led by Solihull Council and involves key partners such as WMG at the University of Warwick, Coventry University, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), the NEC, Coventry City Council, and industry specialists in automated vehicle simulation, including IPG and dRisk.
Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Planning, emphasized the transformative potential of Connected Automated Mobility (CAM) technology. “CAM has the ability to revolutionize the way we travel. We are proud to be at the forefront of this advancement, not just within Solihull but across the region and the country. This trial will provide valuable insights into how autonomous mobility can be effectively implemented in different environments,” he stated.
He further highlighted that the new autonomous route will integrate key locations within the UK Central Hub, offering real-world experience in a dynamic yet controlled setting. “As part of our commitment to continuous learning, TfWM will be conducting passenger surveys to gauge public perceptions and identify potential challenges related to this technology. We encourage people to participate, take a ride, and help shape the future of automated transport.”
The fully electric, accessible shuttles used in the trial are developed by New Zealand-based autonomous vehicle manufacturer Ohmio, represented in the UK by Ohmio UK. Each shuttle can accommodate up to 14 passengers and is equipped with an advanced suite of cameras and sensors that enable it to navigate safely while interacting with live traffic. Although the vehicles are designed to operate autonomously, they will have an onboard human operator as per current legislation, ensuring safety and control if necessary. Additionally, all journeys will be monitored in real-time from TfWM’s control center at Summer Lane.
With this pioneering trial, the UK takes another step forward in the evolution of autonomous transport, paving the way for future smart mobility solutions.
