Innovation Working Group needs your input

If so, Logistics UK would like to invite you to attend its new Innovation Working Group to look at connected and autonomous vehicles. The first meeting will be held next Wednesday (3 March 2021).

TESTBED FOR NEW IDEAS AND INSIGHTS

As connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) trials progress, the government and other stakeholders in this area, are looking for an industry focal point to test propositions and listen to what operators have to say about the potential challenges and opportunities ahead of wider consultations.

Rather than focusing on specific commercial applications, the group will look to progress common themes which will benefit the whole industry.

GROWING INTEREST IN CAV TECHNOLOGY

There is a growing interest in the application of CAV technology in logistics by government and developers. This is primarily for technical reasons, as the contained environment of logistics, the prevalence of repeatable routes, the acceptability of slower speeds for some types of movements and the lesser impact of damage, all lend themselves to the transport of goods. Government also believes that autonomy has the potential to deliver safety, environmental and productivity benefits for the logistics sector too.

LED BY BUSINESS, ENABLED BY TECH

As a commercial industry operating on often low margins, investment in CAV technology in logistics needs to be business case led rather than technology led. The working group will identify the problems CAV could help the logistics industry solve, explore the most compelling cases for the technology to be used in the sector. It will also assess what government support is needed to allow commercially viable CAV solutions to be developed, from research and development to regulatory support for trialling and development.

INFORMED BY EXPERTS

The first meeting will be attended by David Hamson, Deputy Head, and Ben Winter, Head of Engagement and Programme, at the government’s Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles. The focus will be on developing a common understanding in the group of the CAV landscape to date, an initial review of business cases, the types of trials in logistics abroad and what might be feasible in the UK.

Elizabeth de Jong, Director of Policy at Logistics UK, said: “We are enormously excited to be launching our Innovation Working Group, which addresses a real need for industry engagement with government and other interested stakeholders on this important topic. I will be delighted to discuss the initial agenda with any Logistics UK members who may be interested in attending or finding out more.”

Logistics UK envisages the meetings to be held remotely initially, and to take place three or four times a year.

*Register your interest

Published On: 25/02/2021 17:00:11

Comments Section

If you are a Logistics UK member login to add comments.