AssetID: 54593674
Headline: Autonomous Driving Moves A Step Closer In The U.K. After Biggest Research Project
Caption: The moment self-driving cars could be seen on UK roads just moved a step closer after the successful completion of the country’s largest ever autonomous driving (AD) research project. The Nissan-led evolvAD research ends an intensive eight-year period during which more than 16,000 autonomous miles were driven across the country's motorways, urban centres, residential streets and countryside, with zero accidents. David Moss, Senior Vice President, Region Research & Development for Nissan AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe, and Oceania) said: "It has been a privilege working with our dedicated partners to advance AD mobility. As well as making driving safer by reducing human error, and cleaner by improving efficiency, this technology can give many more people access to mobility who may not have it today due to location, age or disability." The successful conclusion of evolvAD prepares for the next phase of AD deployment, which will assess the readiness of cities and regions across the UK for the future introduction of AD systems and services. Delivered by a consortium of five partners, including Nissan as technical lead, evolvAD was jointly funded by government and the consortium partners. Over 21 months, the five partners – Nissan, Connected Places Catapult, Humanising Autonomy, SBD Automotive and TRL – worked to technically support UK supply chain readiness for future mass deployment of AD technologies in the UK. During evolvAD, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs), were tested in various simulators and on private test-tracks before being introduced onto urban residential and rural roads for the most rigorous test of AD technology ever in the UK. These road types present unique challenges for AD technology when compared to American roads due to Britain’s narrow, single lane roads in both urban areas and the countryside. The cars need to be able to drive at both low speeds in narrow city streets and at higher speed on winding roads with no markings in rural areas. To help meet the challenge Nissan has introduced a chassis control system for the AD vehicle to enhance the brakes and steering to allow it to perform as an Advanced Driver. Using infrastructure such as CCTV on residential streets, the evolvAD CAVs received information to improve situational awareness. Robert Bateman, evolvAD Project Manager and Manager of Nissan's Research and Advanced Engineering team, Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE), said: "Following the successful conclusion of evolvAD and previous projects, we are now shifting towards studying the readiness of the UK to introduce AD systems. "Again, working with partners, we need to develop a 360-degree understanding of infrastructure and regulatory needs across the country, and provide critical insights to policy-makers and urban planners to ensure a successful introduction of AD mobility services in the right way and at the right time." Sarah Jones MP, Minister for Industry, added: "The UK is home to a world-class automotive sector, and I'm pleased this project has brought autonomous vehicles one step closer to reality. "Our Industrial Strategy will strengthen this industry, bringing growth, jobs and opportunities to every part of the UK."
Keywords: video, photo, nissan, feature, autonomous driving, cars, motoring, artificial intelligence,
PersonInImage: