Revealing plans to develop a new generation of driverless vehicle – not just autonomous but also solar powered, Flinders is in pole position to support Premier Jay Weatherill’s vision of South Australia at the centre of an autonomous vehicles industry.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Stirling, today hosted the Premier and Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan at Flinders’ new $120 million Tonsley innovation hub, for their announcement that South Australia will be the first state to legislate to allow driverless vehicles on the roads.
The Premier also announced the state’s first driverless vehicle conference, to be held on 5 and 6 November – the second day of which will feature driverless valet parking at Tonsley.
Flinders has signed a memorandum of understanding with Australian road research leader the ARRB Group, putting the University on a firm footing to deal with future prospective partners including the RAA, Bosch, Volvo and Telstra.
The State Government initiative coincides with the announcement that Flinders has become a major sponsor of the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.
Flinders is designing a vehicle for the 2017 event, as a forerunner to the development of the solar autonomous vehicle.
Flinders’ Executive Dean of Science and Engineering Professor Warren Lawrance said the University is excited to be able to bring a new generation of solar thinking to the development of its ‘smart car of the future’.
“The 2015 Challenge presents Flinders with the opportunity to develop a prototype vehicle that we hope will go on to have widespread practical application – our ultimate vision is for a fully autonomous, driverless , solar powered vehicle to ferry passengers between our campuses” Professor Lawrance said.