Fusion Processing to collect data on first UK platooning road trial26 July 2019

Fusion Processing has announced that its Cavstar sensing and control system will be used in the HelmUK advanced platooning trial, the first real-world operational trial of platooning vehicles on UK roads.

The £8.1 million trial, funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) and Highways England, will see Fusion Processing join a consortium of partners including TRL, DAF Trucks and DHL.

A bespoke version of the CAVstar system will be used as part of the trial, in which three DAF HGVs will travel in close proximity, with the lead driver controlling the speed, acceleration and breaking of the whole platoon.

The trials, due to start later this year, will be tailored to the requirements of UK roads. Project partners will collate information on fuel efficiency, emissions and safety implications. The trial will also consider the commercial case for adoption and look at the acceptance of platooning by both platoon drivers and other road users.

Jim Hutchinson, Fusion’s CEO, says: “Taking part in HelmUK, a world-leading trial, is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase how adaptable our CAVstar sensing and control system is. Working alongside global brands such as DAF, TRL and DHL demonstrates the robustness of our system to gather vital data that will ultimately inform the rollout of this technology to real-world applications.”

The on-road trials will form part of regular DHL logistical operations. The first phase will begin after a programme of driving simulations, driver training and test track trials over the coming months.

Author
Laura Cork

Related Companies
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