Trials of “no user in charge” (NUiC) autonomous driving technology are set to take place involving buses at two live Metroline London depots.
Led by Fusion Processing, the 10-month project will assess the feasibility of fully autonomous bus movements.
Using Fusion’s CAVstar Automated Drive System on demonstration buses, the goal is to perform “safe and efficient manoeuvring within depots, from cleaning bays to charging points and overnight parking positions” – without the involvement of onboard staff.
Fusion will develop a remote interface to allow close human monitoring of the vehicle and intervention if required.
The project, which is also supported by Transport for London, will culminate in two demonstration events involving both both diesel and battery-electric buses.
It is funded by the government’s CAM Pathfinder Feasibility Studies Competition and also supported by Zenzic and Innovate UK.
Jim Hutchinson, CEO of Fusion Processing, says: “We are excited to collaborate with Transport for London and our partners Alexander Dennis and Metroline on this forward-thinking initiative. NUiC automation has the potential to deliver immediate improvements in depot safety and efficiency.
“It also helps lay the foundation for the wider adoption of autonomous vehicle technology. This project is a significant step forward in adapting our automated drive system platform for real-world electric vehicle operations and dense urban environments.”
The project began on 1 June with off-highway testing. The next step will involve performing the manoeuvres with a safety driver on board.
The development builds on previous collaboration between Alexander Dennis and Fusion, including the CAVForth, an in-service trial of an autonomous bus in east Scotland.
Fusion says the buses are capable of manoeuvring with an accuracy of 2-3cm, while its radar, lidar and camera sensors maintain a 360-degree view.
Sean O’Shea, CEO of Metroline, adds: “As an operator, we are committed to embracing new technologies that can further enhance safety at our garages, as well as working closely with our workforce to manage an inclusive integration into our operations.
“We look forward to participating in this innovative project to discover how this can help to support our workforce and safety culture at our garages.”
