Bristol-based situational awareness and control systems developer Fusion Processing Ltd is to take part in the HelmUK Advanced Platooning Trial, the first real-world operational trial of an automated truck convoy in a live commercial environment on UK roads.
A bespoke version of Fusion Processing’s CAVstar system will be used as part of the trial in which cutting-edge technology will enable three DAF Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) to travel safely in close proximity, at speed, with the lead driver controlling the speed, acceleration and braking of the whole ‘platoon’. Use of platooning has the potential to greatly increase fuel efficiency, reduce carbon emissions for trucks and improve safety. The £8.1m (US$10m) trial, funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) and Highways England (HE), will see Fusion Processing join a consortium of partners including the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), vehicle-maker DAF Trucks, and global logistics company DHL.
