New driverless shuttles touch down at Darwin Airport.
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Darwin International Airport passengers will have the opportunity to experience what could be the future of on-airport ground transport with the arrival of the autonomous EZ10 shuttle from Transdev and Easymile.
Together with autonomous vehicle manufacturer EasyMile and Transdev the largest private sector operator of multiple modes of transport in Australasia, Darwin International Airport is showcasing how autonomous shuttles could be part of the everyday operation of an airport.
As part of a “Driverless Roadtrip” at key locations around Australia and New Zealand, the trial at Darwin International Airport will provide free public demonstrations giving passengers and locals a first-hand experience of this new and leading technology.
The driverless vehicle trial is just the beginning of Darwin International Airport’s exploration of electric vehicle solutions for on-airport ground transport.
The trial at Darwin International Airport will operate from February 21 for 2 days.
“This technology is evolving rapidly and it’s important we consider the applications for on airport ground transport for both passengers and the servicing of aircraft as we move towards a future powered by renewable energy,” Mike Little, Director of Operations, Darwin International Airport said.
“Self-driving shuttles are no longer a fantasy, the technology is attractive and ready to be adopted in a range of contexts in our cities today,” Kathy Lazanas, Transdev, said.
"Autonomous shuttles are starting to show their worth as a means to improve connection, and airports are an ideal setting.”
EasyMile’s Simon Pearce said the demonstrations highlight the impressive capabilities and safety features of the EZ10, and the benefits of self-driving technology more broadly.
“The EZ10 fully autonomous driverless shuttle, with a capacity of 12 customers, has been designed to cover short pre-defined routes through embedded and localisation technologies developed by EasyMile.”
Using the latest sensory technology, the vehicle can safely respond to environmental changes like moving pedestrians, cyclists and other cars.”
The trial is designed to highlight the ease of connectivity these vehicles can provide within an airport precinct by operating on a pre-determined continuous loop around the car-parks, terminal and hotels.