Self-driving startup FiveAI launches commuter trials on London streets
British startup FiveAI has today announced the launch of commuter research trials for its self-driving car technology, alongside motor insurance giant Direct Line.
As part of the Streetwise Consortium, which also includes TRL, a 19km self-driving research route featuring human passengers will be launched in Croydon and Bromley to test out the technology.
The invite-only trial will take place during the next two months, in which participants will be asked for insight on their experiences.
Ultimately, the government-backed consortium hopes to provide data for a shared self-driving service for future London commuters.
Read more: Self-driving cars could inject £62bn into UK economy bv 2030
Transport secretary Grant Shapps said the trial is “a major step to rolling out the next phase of the UK’s transport revolution”.
FiveAI, which is headquartered in Cambridge, has raised approximately $35m in funding to date.
FiveAI chief executive Stan Boland said: “Shared, self-driving vehicle services promise a better way for people to get around, we’ll be working with forward-thinking partners to make these services a reality in European urban environments. The lessons learned through Streetwise provide an important step towards that goal.”
Image credit: FiveAI