ARRK|CASE STUDY – ULTRA POD

Case Study - Ultra Global PRT

Our engineering team used various technologies to support development of the personal rapid transport system “Ultra Pod”, located at London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5. Ultra pods are a new type of transportation technology, which consists of small, lightweight, driverless electric vehicles running on special-purpose guideways. With a total carrying capacity of up to 450kg, the Ultra pods are perfectly suited to accommodate wheelchairs, prams and bicycles.
ARRK|CASE STUDY – ULTRA POD

Customer Request

« Ultra Pod Model

ARRK's solution

ARRK Team Prototyping »

ARRK|CASE STUDY – ULTRA POD
ARRK|CASE STUDY – ULTRA POD

Project outcome

Original scope was a two year pilot study producing 22 running prototype units.
Trials were so successful the vehicles remain in full service today and carry upwards of 1,000 travelers per day.
ARRK is still operating and maintaining the fleet at London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5.

« Ultra Pod at London Science Museum

ARRK has been associated with Ultra Global PRT since 2002. The ‘Heathrow Pod’ transfers passengers between Terminal 5 and business car park, where it replaced the shuttle bus service. Ultra vehicle is a semi – autonomous vehicle running in a constrained environment. Given a destination, it will follow a prescribed path and speed profile, using various sensors and actuators to estimate and correct its navigational and kinematic state along the guideway.