Kar-go, the autonomous delivery vehicle designed by British start-up, Academy of Robotics, has become the first custom-built autonomous delivery vehicle to travel on the roads in the UK.

Using its contact-free form of delivery, the company has started making its first deliveries from pharmacies to care homes and will later introduce deliveries from a depot to work sites, working closely with partners Eurovia UK.

The designers say that to ensure greater control of the interaction and operation of the system, they designed and custom-built the vehicle Kar-go along with the software which controls and runs the vehicle and also the integration with the Command Hub. From the Command Hub they have instant, secure access to remote monitoring and supervision of the vehicle while it is in autonomous mode.

Transport Minister Rachel Maclean said, “Autonomous delivery vehicles, such as Kar-go, can offer safer and speedier delivery of medical supplies to those who need it the most.

“The UK is well-placed as a science superpower to lead the world in this area and I’m delighted to support projects that drive green innovation, promote a clean transport future and help the economy.”

Kar-go’s makers say the vehicle reduces emissions and costs, and is a complete the last mile delivery solution. William Sachiti, CEO and Founder of Academy of Robotics commented, “Alongside our partners at Eurovia UK we have been working closely with DfT’s Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) and key London stakeholders. This is to ensure that safety is at the heart of everything we do and we are grateful for the support we have received.”