Pratt & Miller, a new addition to the PlanetM Landing Zone in Detroit and recipient of the $8 Million Michigan Mobility Challenge, is partnering with Michigan-based companies to address the mobility needs of seniors, persons with disabilities and veterans, including the development of autonomous electric shuttles that are ADA compliant.
A sector of mobility with room for growth, the goal of the expanded focus is to improve transportation services for veterans at the Battle Creek Veterans Administration Medical Center. The company received a $2.1 million grant from the Michigan Mobility Challenge in January.
Testing of its driverless vehicles in Battle Creek is scheduled to begin in September, helping shuttle veterans between 16 campus locations. The Battle Creek complex serves 42,000 veterans from 22 counties in southwestern Michigan. The shuttles are designed to seat four people or three with a wheelchair occupant.