5G autonomous truck project secures funding for Nissan site

StreetDrone, headquartered in Oxford, UK, has been confirmed as consortium member to develop 5G connected and autonomous logistics capability for the Nissan Sunderland, UK, plant.

The autonomous technology company has won UK Government funding as part of a consortium tasked with delivering an autonomous logistics capability to Nissan’s Sunderland car plant.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport grant will be used to develop 5G connected and self-driving 40-t trucks capable of moving parts and assemblies between Nissan’s manufacturing plant and local businesses contributing to the car maker’s just-in-time supply chain. The proof-of-concept project will assess how 5G connected and autonomous logistics operations can drive more efficiency into industrial supply chain operations.

Termed ‘5G CAL’ – or 5G Connected and Autonomous Logistics – the project will focus on low-speed applications, including urban and suburban metropolitan areas, campuses and manufacturing plants. It will require development of software and hardware solutions spanning redundant braking systems, a driving robot capable of complex articulated truck manoeuvres in confined areas and the integration of driverless software with telematic control for remote fleet management.

The consortium (CAVL) is made up of UK businesses and institutions including Sunderland City Council, Newcastle University, Vantec, Coventry University, Connected Places Catapult, The North East Automotive Alliance and Perform Green.