Aurrigo launches autonomous shuttle

An autonomous transport project has been launched at Canada’s largest technology park.

Coventry-headquartered Aurrigo International plc has debuted its Auto-Shuttle® Mk2 at Kanata Business Park in Ottawa, marking the country’s first medium-speed, all-season autonomous shuttle built on a commercial platform. 

The fully electric, eight-seater vehicle features one wheelchair space and real-time American Sign Language stop announcements, developed in collaboration with DeafAI.

The shuttle will run along a 4.5km route linking businesses, restaurants, community spaces and transit connections, including Brookstreet Hotel and the University of Ottawa. 

After initial testing, it will operate on public roads in mixed traffic at medium speeds, with ongoing winter trials to validate performance in snow, ice, rain, wind and falling leaves.

The project, a collaboration with Invest Ottawa’s Area X.O, positions Kanata North as a national testbed for smart mobility solutions, advancing road safety, accessibility and sustainable transport. 

Kelly Daize, executive director of the Kanata North Business Association, said: “This project represents a major milestone – proving that autonomous vehicles can operate safely and inclusively in our four-season environment.

“We are proud to collaborate with this strong group of partners to make Kanata North is a hub for the future of mobility.” 

Sonya Shorey, president and chief executive of Invest Ottawa, added: “At Area X.O, safety is our North Star.

“Our R&D complex is dedicated to help founders and companies commercialise emerging technologies and get to market faster, safely.

“We are honoured to serve as the private R&D test partner for this medium-speed shuttle project led by Kanata North Business Association and Aurrigo.

“We are facilitating eight weeks of rigorous shuttle testing, and this work will be vital in preparing the vehicle for on-road deployment in Canada’s largest tech park.”

Aurrigo recently raised £14.1m to accelerate its expansion and has engineered the shuttle from its Canadian office for the first time. 

Tenille Houston, vice president public relations and communications at Aurrigo International, added: “Ottawa has always been an innovator when it comes to autonomous mobility and our relationship with this city dates back to 2019, when we delivered a project with our smaller 4- seater Auto-Pods.

“This latest pilot with Kanata North Business Association is a vitally important step in demonstrating how autonomous shuttles can deliver safe, reliable, and inclusive transport in all seasons.

“The insights we gain here will be carried forward into other complex environments – including aviation – where moving people and goods efficiently and sustainably is essential.” 

She added: “For our business, it’s another fantastic example of how technology developed in the UK can be used anywhere in the world and we relish the opportunity to continue to push the boundaries of autonomous technology in real-world environments.”

Partners include the City of Ottawa, KRP Properties, Solink, Brookstreet Hotel, University of Ottawa, Zendelity, EcoSafeSense and DeafAI.

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