Aged care provider IRT Group has joined with UK-based tech firm RDM Autonomous to bring the world-first program to its facilities, as reported by Australian Ageing Agenda.
IRT, which has 35 homes across NSW, Canberra and Brisbane, will pilot the Pod Zero car at its Kangara Waters retirement village and aged care centre in Canberra first before taking it to one of their Brisbane facilities.
How will the technology work?
The cars will use an app on residents’ IRT-supported tablet to enable them to choose a pick-up time and location.
This will allow them to travel to appointments and social activities, helping them stay independent and connected to their community.
Eventually when the cars are integrated onto public roads, they will be used to allow residents to visit family more often.
Driverless cars are already being trialled on public roads in Western Australia as we covered here, and new research suggests they could be a main mode of transport within a decade.
We think it’s a great idea. Many aged care residents still want to drive, but have had to give up because of physical problems.
Why not give them a helping hand?
