Smart village trials autonomous shuttle and private mobile network
Smart villages and connected neighbourhoods are being developed throughout the world. Paerata Rise, an Auckland housing development, will be New Zealand's first smart village.
By integrating a robust mobile network into the foundations of the community, Paerata Rise developers intend to anticipate the technological requirements of its residents. The development will be equipped with a private mobile network in the form of a smart eco-system; it will also offer an autonomous shuttle to transport members of the neighbourhood around the community.
The self-driving shuttle will provide on demand transport to residents through a smart phone app. The purpose of the shuttle is to provide better access between facilities such as park and ride spaces and the planned Paerata train station. Technology embedded in the shuttles will also serve as a platform for other services, including connectivity to networks outside of the community.
The self-driving shuttle and supporting mobile network for the community are both in their test stages.
While on-road trials of the autonomous shuttle continue, small cell networks are being used to test different types of data collection sensors. That data will be captured and used to manage assets, resources and services that will continue to feed into improving operations.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Autonomous vehicles.
- Autonomous vehicles - do we trust them?
- Designing smart cities.
- Engineering Smart Cities.
- Integrated transport system.
- Smart cities design timeframe.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.





















