News, 19 August 2025
In a historic first for Canada, Aurrigo International has launched a nine-seat, Level 4 autonomous shuttle—capable of operating in all weather conditions—on public roads in Ottawa’s Kanata North Technology Park. This marks the debut of Canada’s first all-season, medium-speed autonomous shuttle trial.
Aurrigo’s innovative Auto-Shuttle® is engineered to brave the full spectrum of Canadian weather—snow, ice, rain, wind, even falling leaves—while safely transporting passengers at medium speeds in mixed traffic conditions. After undergoing extensive testing at Area X.O, an all-weather R&D facility operated by Invest Ottawa, the shuttle has commenced its real-world service across a 4.5 km route connecting key locations within Kanata North Technology Park.
The transit route links eight designated stops including workplaces, dining options, community hubs, and public transit nodes. Strategically positioned, it aims to enhance last-mile mobility for workers, residents, and visitors alike.
David Keene MBE, CEO of Aurrigo, underlined the pilot’s significance: “We believe we have the real-world technology in place… to prove that driverless vehicles can operate safely and effectively in all weather conditions.” He also highlighted that this trial could serve as a global testbed, accelerating autonomous vehicle development across North America and beyond.
Beyond its operational achievements, the project is designed with inclusivity in mind. The shuttle incorporates visual communication aids like Deaf.AI’s ASL avatar, making rides more accessible for Deaf and hard-of-hearing passengers. Further goals include shaping municipal safety frameworks, informing AV policy, and gathering critical data for refining airport shuttle solutions in diverse environments.
This initiative builds on prior low-speed autonomous vehicle trials conducted in Ottawa (2019, 2021). The current deployment represents a leap forward—deploying a converted commercial EV shuttle with enhanced speed, capacity, and operational scope. Stakeholders include the Kanata North Business Association (KNBA), Invest Ottawa (via Area X.O), and various partners, combining strengths in innovation, infrastructure, and community collaboration.
