COVENTRY, UK, Aug 19, 2025 – Aurrigo is is expanding its vehicle line-up into North America with the deployment of its nine-seater Auto-Shuttle on the streets of Kanata. This launch marks Canada’s first medium-speed shuttle service to the public, a new era of connected mobility. The project is carried out with the Kanata North Business Association (KNBA) and Area X.O operated by Invest Ottawa, will link eight stops across the Kanata North Technology Park in Canada.
The all-electric, Level 4 driverless shuttle is designed to tackle snow, ice, and unpredictable weather. The 4.5km pilot route links businesses, restaurants, and transit stops – providing safe and accessible mobility in the tech hub.
After testing at Area X.O, Canada’s all-weather research site for emerging technologies, the shuttle will move to public roads, where it will run in mixed traffic at medium speeds. David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International commented: “We have been working with Kanata North Business Association for over six years on how we can effectively bring autonomous vehicles to the streets of Canada.”
“This important project accelerates this vision, and we believe we have the real-world technology in place in Auto-Shuttle that will prove driverless vehicles can operate safely and effectively in all weather conditions.”
“In my opinion, this could be the testbed that unlocks further AV developments in North America and across the rest of the globe.”
The Canadian trial will generate data to improve airport shuttle systems that require consistent performance across diverse weather conditions. Findings from Ottawa’s four-season tests will help update and guide future use in airports, where safety, accessibility, and working in complex environments matter.
In addition to providing a transit solution, the trial will deliver key insights into:
- Electric and autonomous vehicle performance in four-season Canadian conditions
- Development of a municipal safety framework for autonomous vehicles
- Inclusive design features, including Deaf.AI’s ASL avatar and visual communication system for Deaf and hard-of-hearing riders
- Policy recommendations to guide future AV regulations.
The project builds on Ottawa’s earlier autonomous pod and shuttle trials from 2019 and 2021. As of date, it moves to a modified commercial vehicle with more speed, passenger capacity, and operating range.
By combining technology, design, and urban planning foresight, the project aims to set a national benchmark for safe, and sustainable transit services in Canada.
“Kanata North is home to Canada’s largest technology park and more than 540 companies shaping the future of mobility, connectivity, and innovation,” said Kelly Daize, executive director of the Kanata North Business Association.
“This project is building on our previous autonomous vehicle’s trials, utilizing a commercial motor vehicle, initially in the secure testbed at Area X.O and then moving on public roads in the Kanata North Tech Park in Ottawa.”
“It is not only an historic first for Canada – it’s a powerful example of how industry, government, and community can come together to test real-world solutions that improve accessibility, advance safety, and create a blueprint for the future of transportation in all seasons.”
Sonya Shorey, president and CEO of Invest Ottawa, concluded: “Invest Ottawa is honored to collaborate on this landmark project in our world-class, dual-use innovation hub.”
“At Area X.O, our state-of-the-art all-weather R&D complex, founders, companies, regulators, and their partners can rigorously test, validate, and deploy next-generation technologies in all four seasons. This accelerates safe, market-ready innovations that deliver lasting economic, social, and environmental benefits for our citizens, our community, and our country.”
Source: Aurrigo
About Aurrigo International
Aurrigo International plc, headquartered in Coventry, UK, is a technology-driven company specializing in autonomous and automated solutions for the aviation and automotive industries. Established as part of the RDM Group, it has been in business for over 30 years, developing airside ground handling systems, baggage transportation and autonomous vehicle solutions. Aurrigo serves major airports, airlines, logistics providers, and automotive manufacturers, focusing on efficiency and sustainability through automation. Aurrigo has expanded globally, working with clients across North America, Europe, and Asia. As of recent financial reports, its annual revenue exceeds £10 million, with continuous growth driven by increased demand for innovative mobility solutions.