University to research self-driving shuttle safety

Coventry University will lead research into how self-driving shuttles can be monitored remotely

A university will lead research into how self-driving shuttles can be safely operate in busy urban areas.

The research by Coventry University follows the success of the Solihull and Coventry Automated Links Evolution (SCALE) project.

This sees three vehicles transporting passengers across the National Exhibition Centre campus during major events.

The next phase of the project, SCALE 2, aims to expand the service to cover a 7km (4.3 miles) route linking Birmingham International railway station to Birmingham Business Park.

Researchers from the university's Centre for Future Transport and Cities will look at how the electric vehicles can be monitored from a remote operations centre.

The research includes making sure communication between the vehicles and the centre is safe and secure, so researchers will assess how well the shuttle systems can withstand cyber-attacks and attempts to interfere with their operation.

Andy Mackiewicz, cabinet member for climate change and planning at Solihull Council said: "This phase will move us one step closer to a future where safer, smarter and more sustainable transport is an everyday reality.

He added that the Solihull trial had already delivered "hugely valuable real-world insight" into how the vehicles operated safely in busy, public settings.

SCALE2 has the potential to help transport the 10,000 visitors that the two Birmingham locations attract each day.

The shuttles can carry up to 14 passengers and are fitted with cameras and sensors that allow the vehicles to detect their surroundings and safely navigate live traffic.

'Public trust could limit use'

Professor Stewart Birrell, from the university's research centre, suggested that public trust in technology would always be a "limiting factor" in the use of the vehicles, however he said the research would support the roll-out of automated shuttles that are "safe, secure and trusted by people".

Coventry University is part of a consortium for the SCALE project, which is led by Solihull Council.

The project is funded by the UK government's Connected and Automated Mobility Pathfinder, part of a wider £150 million initiative to increase the number of automated transport methods.