Driverless taxis and delivery vehicles are being developed by university experts in Essex.
Researchers at Essex University think their work developing an autonomous model car could pave the way for intelligent driverless vehicles within 15 years.
The project, led by Dr Simon Lucas of the department of computer science, will see researchers build an autonomous model car which will be tested on a race track at the campus during the summer.
It will provide a prototype for researchers around the world to develop their own smart model cars - leading up to a motor race next year.
Dr Lucas said: "This project will push computational intelligence methods to their limits, and beyond.
"As far as we are aware, this is the first time a completely autonomous model car has been developed.
"By using model cars, we will be able investigate the possibilities of the technology far easier and more cheaply."
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