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Gridflow tests an autonomous electric pod that runs on its own guideway
The Hubballi startup's prototype pod carries four people at about 30 km/h, with a 60 km/h demonstration planned.
Gridflow Technologies, a startup in Hubballi, Karnataka, is building an autonomous electric pod transit system: small driverless vehicles that run on dedicated guideways and take passengers point to point, booked much like a ride-hailing trip. Startuppedia reported in October that the prototype pod carries up to four passengers or 400 kg and runs at about 30 km/h, and that the company plans a demonstration at up to 60 km/h on a longer guideway.
The company is led by founder and CEO Umesh Rudrapatna. Company registry data on Tracxn shows Gridflow Technologies Private Limited was incorporated on 25 June 2021 and is registered at the Sandbox Startups building in Hubballi. Startuppedia reported that the company says it is still building a minimum viable product and is seeking proof-of-concept sites with partners.
The engineering problem is bigger than the pod. Guideway design, vehicle stability, autonomous navigation, communications and coordinating many pods on one network all have to work together. Indian Defence News, which also covered the prototype update, listed the team's mechanical, robotics, electrical and computer science engineers. Gridflow pitches the system for linking homes, workplaces and metro stations where first and last mile connections are weak.
