Europe believes a sat-nav system that is independent of GPS but inter-operable with it will drive a multi-billion euro industry in which receivers find their way into many more markets - from consumer mobile devices such as cell phones to safety-critical applications such as guided trains and buses.
Passengers use a touch screen to choose their destination and the 21 pods, which carry up to four passengers and their luggage, are laser-guided and take an average of ten minutes less than the airport buses, mainly by avoiding traffic on the roads around Heathrow.