Autonomous Lorry Pilot

Autonomous vehicle pilot project using pioneering 5G communication infrastructure now underway.

21:41 01 March 2021

A £4.9million UK Government-funded initiative will see a pioneering 5G communication infrastructure being used in testing driverless 4-tonnne lorries at the Nissan test track in Sunderland.

 

Companies appointed to design, build and support the operation are North Shields and Birmingham-based 2020 Vision Systems, Wales-based Pinacl, Glasgow-based Boston Networks, and Pinacl GDA, London-based PEL Services. They are going to take advantage of Nokia’s 5G network.

 

The pilot aims to allow remote teleoperations to control vehicles without drivers and is hoped to showcase that network providers and various industries have the capability to develop automated logistic solutions to address industry challenges with innovation.

 

Glen Williams, Chief Executive for North said: “This is a significant milestone for 5G standalone technology in the UK. We know that the potential of 5G is tremendous, however, to realise it, we need to see more innovative projects such as this being driven forward across different sectors and UK regions.

 

“We were selected to fully design and deliver the next generation connectivity for this pilot because of our exceptional track record for delivering high performance innovative solutions, including our unique end-to-end approach which provides clients with a full service. This is coupled with our specific experience of delivering 5G technology and our partnership with Nokia, a global leader in 5G.

 

“We are looking forward to working with all of the stakeholders to take the technology out of the testbed and into a safe and controlled operational manufacturing environment for the first time.”