Since 2021, we’ve operated the Darwin Autonomous Shuttle service at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus. Through our years running this service, we have developed intricate firsthand knowledge of how connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) work in the real world: the pitfalls and the possibilities.
Using the information and expertise we’ve gathered from the shuttle, we now establish autonomous vehicle services at other locations.
Self-driving vehicles for ports
Ports are home to a constant flow of people and goods, arriving from one location and preparing to go on to another. In larger ports, new arrivals may need to cover several miles before they can reach the next leg of their journey.
With their heavy transportation needs, ports are in the perfect position to benefit from self-driving vehicles. CAVs are a convenient way to shuttle passengers and goods from place to place, ensuring that everything keeps moving steadily.
From the summer of 2025, we’ve been operating an autonomous shuttle service for crane workers at a major UK port. These workers previously arrived at the cranes using their own cars, which they left in the car park nearby. By replacing these individual vehicles with communal electric transportation, the port has been able to reduce emissions and free up the space previously used for parking, which can now be repurposed more efficiently.
Autonomous vehicles are poised to revolutionise port operations, making them greener, safer and more efficient. Every port we partner with is another step towards that future.
Self-driving vehicles for resorts and tourist destinations
A lot of holidaymakers, particularly those travelling abroad, won’t have brought a car with them. Even if they have a car, there might be times they’ll want to relax and unwind with a drink, without worrying about transportation afterwards. Some guests will have mobility needs. How do you accommodate everyone?
Self-driving shuttles are a great way to transport guests and staff across your resort. Some of the benefits:
- Offering a shuttle service allows guests to relax and enjoy themselves, without worrying about how they’ll get back to their beds.
- A shuttle service will help guests with mobility needs to access all parts of your resort.
- Autonomous vehicles can make areas where you need to attract traffic more accessible.
- Through studying how passengers travel, your resort can learn which areas are most attractive and would benefit from greater investment.
- An electric shuttle transporting multiple passengers is a greener solution than having each of those passengers travel in individual petrol-powered cars.
- By reducing reliance on individual cars, the shuttle can free up parking space to be used for other purposes.
On top of this, self-driving vehicles often draw attention and excitement, and guests will be keen to have the opportunity to travel in one! With an autonomous passenger service, you can attract media interest and set your resort apart from your competition.
Interested in autonomous vehicles for your location?
If you operate a port, campus, resort or other site that could benefit from self-driving vehicles, get in touch to talk about our CAV setup services. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.
