Tuesday 15th October 2024

Self-driving shuttle route set to launch in Solihull 

WMG at the University of Warwick is part of a pioneering project, led by Solihull CouncilLink opens in a new window, to develop a self-driving fully-electric shuttle service at the National Exhibition Centre (NECLink opens in a new window), Birmingham.

 

The Solihull & Coventry Automated Links Evolution (SCALE) project is a collaborative initiative, aimed at better understanding the role self-driving vehicles might one day play within our future transport system.

As part of the pilot, SCALE will see a fleet of three electric self-driving shuttles ferry passengers along a new 7km route linking up Birmingham International rail station, the NEC and Birmingham Business Park.

WMG will be focusing on the safety aspect of the shuttle service, providing expertise on hazard analysis, vehicle testing and operational safety.

David EvansLink opens in a new window, Lead Engineer at WMG, University of Warwick, adds: “Researchers and engineers at WMG will be providing trial support and undertaking related research in line with industry standards and best practice, required for the operator(s) to conduct the automated vehicle deployments safely and securely.”

In 2021, Solihull became one of the first places in the country to see self-driving vehicles take to its roads as part of an earlier set of passenger trialsLink opens in a new window led by the Council. Building on previous learning, SCALE will demonstrate and further develop understanding around connected automated mobility (CAM) services. It will look specifically at the commercial viability of self-driving operations, passenger experience and operational factors such as insurance and vehicle maintenance.

Professor Mehrdad DianatiLink opens in a new window, Director of Intelligent Vehicles ResearchLink opens in a new window at WMG, University of Warwick, explains: “We have seen remarkable progress in Connected and Automated/Autonomous Mobility Technologies in recent years. It is paramount to pave the way for commercialising these technologies, particularly in the promising near future application areas, such as the one the SCALE consortium aims for.

“We are excited to be a part of this journey to transfer the knowledge we have developed to help this unique consortium of UK companies, universities and local authorities to create new economic development opportunities for the region and the country.”

The pioneering project is being delivered by a consortium led by Solihull Council, including both WMG at the University of Warwick and Coventry University, TfWM, the NEC, Coventry City Council, Direct Line Group, original equipment manufacturer Ohmio UK Ltd and automated vehicle simulation specialists IPG and dRISK.

Funding for the multi-million-pound project has been provided by the Department for Transport’s Centre for Connected Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV).

For further information visit: solihull.gov.uk/SCALE

Find out more about WMG’s Connected and Cooperative Autonomous Systems here: Connected and Cooperative Autonomous Systems (CCAS) team (warwick.ac.uk)Link opens in a new window