Darwin and Auve Tech partner to distribute self-driving vehicles

Darwin Innovation Group and Auve Tech have entered into a strategic partnership to accelerate the deployment of autonomous vehicles across international markets. Under the agreement, Darwin becomes an official distributor of Auve Tech’s MiCa autonomous shuttle, bringing one of Europe’s most advanced self-driving vehicles to a wider range of customers and operating environments. 

Auve Tech, an Estonian developer of autonomous transportation systems, has established itself as a leader in the deployment of Level 4 autonomous vehicles. Its vehicle, MiCa, is a purpose-built autonomous shuttle designed to operate safely and efficiently in public and private environments without a driver onboard. 

MiCa utilizes a sophisticated perception system consisting of 7 LiDAR sensors and 12 cameras, providing a continuous 360-degree understanding of its surroundings. The vehicle makes driving decisions independently while also benefiting from remote human oversight through Auve Tech’s telemonitoring platform when complex situations arise. 

The partnership builds on the companies’ long-standing collaboration and shared vision for the future of autonomous mobility. During a recent visit to Estonia, the Darwin team observed Auve Tech’s operations at Tallinn Airport, where MiCa shuttles transport airport employees on the airside. 

The operation recently achieved a significant milestone by introducing 1:2 telemonitoring, enabling a single operator to supervise two autonomous vehicles simultaneously from a centralized control centre. 

Through Auve Tech’s remote operations platform, telemonitors can oversee vehicle movement, doors, climate systems, lighting, and emergency functions while maintaining real-time visibility of the passenger cabin through onboard cameras. The technology enhances operational efficiency while maintaining high safety standards. 

MiCa has already demonstrated its capabilities in a range of international environments, including deployments on public roads in Japan, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Europe, highlighting its versatility and readiness for commercial-scale operations. 

Darwin Innovation Group provides autonomous vehicle distribution and setup services. With its expertise in every aspect of connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) setup, including registration, insurance, operation, regulation, and data collection, Darwin arranges self-driving passenger services for locations such as campuses, ports, hotels, and airports.  

“We’re pleased to have signed an official distribution agreement with Auve Tech,” said Daniela Petrovic, co-founder of Darwin. “This is an exciting time for autonomous vehicles, and we are looking forward to reporting on new successes.” 

The agreement formalizes a relationship that has been evolving for several years. In 2023, Darwin brought Auve Tech’s earlier Iseauto autonomous shuttle to Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in the United Kingdom, where the vehicle showcased the practical applications of autonomous transportation. Since then, both companies have continued to develop new products, expand their operational experience, and identify opportunities for closer collaboration. 

“The partnership marks another important step toward making autonomous transportation more accessible and scalable,” said Johannes Mossov, Member of the Board at Auve Tech, “by combining Auve Tech’s proven vehicle technology with Darwin’s expertise in deployment and operations to support the next generation of mobility services worldwide.”