Vodafone And European Tour Debut Driverless Vehicle

A partnership between Vodafone and autonomous vehicle developer Aurrigo will see European Tour players transported by driver-free shuttles powered by the service provider’s 4G network.

The ISPS Handa Wales Open, at 2010 Ryder Cup venue Celtic Manor, will be the first major sporting event to use driverless technology, supporting social distancing guidelines. The technology will carry players from the Twenty Ten Clubhouse to the first tee. 

“It’s fantastic to see our leading connectivity playing a pivotal role in making this event happen,” said Anne Sheehan, Director, Vodafone UK.

“We’re always looking at ways in which our technology can overcome the challenges brought about by COVID-19.”

Vodafone will be providing its 4G network connectivity to the shuttles, to enable the high speed and real time data transfers critical in supporting the precise positioning and location of the vehicle on its journey. 

The shuttles feature Lidar technology, which uses lasers and sensors to map out the route, as well as cameras to guide the vehicles to their destination.  

Golfers and their caddies will be transported in the vehicle alone in order to support social distancing, while passengers will sit a minimum of two metres apart in transit.

David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo, commented: “We have worked extremely closely with the European Tour and the players to redesign the inside of the shuttle to ensure that it is fully Covid-19 secure, whilst our new technology partnership with Vodafone will provide vital connectivity.

“It is a great opportunity to showcase our technology in front of a global audience and, potentially, provides an insight into how a Covid-19 secure autonomous vehicle could be a blueprint for future transport solutions across the world.”

The ISPS Handa Wales Open is the penultimate event of the six-week UK Swing, organised by the European Tour in response to the event postponements necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic.