NC A&T’s self-driving shuttles are making pilot runs to downtown Greensboro

Self-driving shuttles from North Carolina A&T State University have begun making short trips from campus to downtown Greensboro.

Last year, A&T researchers began testing the autonomous vehicle on its 2-mile test track that simulates rural driving. 

Now they say they’re ready for a pilot program. The small shuttles will make a regular route from the Harold L. Martin Sr. Engineering Research and Innovation Complex to the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum.

That’s about a mile-long journey. The vehicle can reach a maximum speed of 25 mph and the commute takes about eight minutes.

A&T has three of the self-driving shuttles in its fleet of autonomous vehicles, which also includes a high-speed van and two sedans.

University officials say the vehicles were tested to make sure they can detect obstacles and share the road. Under adverse circumstances, a human driver can take control.

A&T experts are collecting data from the shuttle journeys as part of the ongoing research.

The pilot program will continue its downtown route through October 13.