AV start-up, StreetDrone, has won UK Government funding as part of a consortium tasked with delivering an autonomous logistics capability to Nissan’s Sunderland car plant in Sunderland.
The grant will be used to develop 5G connected and self-driving 40-tonne trucks capable of moving parts and assemblies between Nissan manufacturing plant and local businesses contributing to the car maker’s supply chain.
The project will assess how 5G connected and autonomous logistics operations can drive more efficiency into industrial supply chain operations.
The project, termed ‘5G CAL’ – or 5G Connected and Autonomous Logistics – will utilise StreetDrone’s open-source autonomous software solutions with a focus on low-speed applications, including urban and suburban metropolitan areas, campuses and manufacturing plants.
Mike Potts, StreetDrone’s CEO, says: “The reality is that autonomous cars are still many years from widespread adoption. However, the technologies that we’ve already developed can be used in an industrial logistics setting and will quickly scale to many other similar contexts where reducing cost and increasing safety are critical factors in profitable operations.”
Matt Warman, UK Minister for Digital Infrastructure, adds: “The new funding we are announcing today will help us pioneer new ways to seize the opportunities of 5G and bring tangible benefits for consumers and businesses across the country.”
To read our full interview with StreetDrone’s CEO, follow the link below.
Keyword: UK Start-up StreetDrone Wins Government Funding For 5G Autonomous Truck Project