Scotland’s CAVForth project is set to launch a new autonomous bus service that will operate seven days a week starting May 15, 2023. The project will feature a fleet of five Alexander Dennis Enviro200AV autonomous buses that will travel on Stagecoach’s new AB1 route, carrying up to 10,000 passengers per week. The buses will utilize Fusion Processing’s CAVstar autonomous drive system, featuring an array of advanced sensors and AI processing to provide optimal efficiency in all traffic conditions. The buses will operate at SAE Level 4 and will require a safety driver on board.
CAVForth Autonomous Bus Service to Launch in Scotland
Scotland’s CAVForth project is set to launch its autonomous bus service to the public, marking a significant milestone in autonomous vehicle deployment. The project has conducted a series of in-depth trials, and the new fleet of autonomous buses will now begin scheduled passenger service on May 15, 2023.
The service will operate seven days a week, using a fleet of five Alexander Dennis Enviro200AV autonomous buses traveling on Stagecoach’s new AB1 route, connecting the Ferrytoll Park & Ride in Fife to Edinburgh Park interchange every 30 minutes.
The autonomous buses will have the capacity to carry up to 10,000 passengers each week and will navigate a range of road types, including A-roads, motorways, bus lanes, and private land at up to 80 km/h. The buses will also carry out complex traffic maneuvers, such as navigating roundabouts and changing lanes, using data from a range of advanced sensors, including lidar, radar, and cameras, combined with AI processing.
The CAVstar autonomous drive system from Fusion Processing will enable the buses to choose the correct speed to travel between traffic lights smoothly, as the system also receives information directly from traffic light systems.
The CAVForth project’s autonomous buses will operate at SAE Level 4, which requires a safety driver on board at all times. The project is a significant step forward in the operation of autonomous commercial vehicles on public roads, demonstrating how advanced automation can safely operate in a very complex driving environment.
Fusion Processing’s CAVstar Autonomous Drive System to Power CAVForth Autonomous Buses
The CAVForth project’s autonomous buses will utilize Fusion Processing’s CAVstar autonomous drive system to navigate Scotland’s roads. The system uses data from an array of advanced sensors, including lidar, radar, and cameras, combined with AI processing, to provide optimal efficiency in all traffic conditions.
The CAVstar system is specifically designed for commercial vehicles, and the system’s capabilities enable the buses to operate at SAE Level 4, with a safety driver on board at all times.
The CAVstar system allows autonomous buses to navigate complex traffic maneuvers, including navigating roundabouts and changing lanes, while also enabling the vehicles to choose the correct speed to travel smoothly between traffic lights. The system receives information directly from traffic light systems, which enables the buses to travel at the most efficient speed, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Fusion Processing’s CEO, Jim Hutchinson, has described the CAVForth project as an “exciting showcase” of how the CAVstar automated drive system can operate safely in a complex driving environment. The CAVForth project is globally significant, marking a step change in the operation of autonomous commercial vehicles on public roads.
Fusion Processing’s CAVstar Autonomous Drive System
Fusion Processing’s CAVstar autonomous drive system is the heart of the CAVForth autonomous bus project. The system uses data from an array of advanced sensors, including cameras, lidar, and radar, combined with artificial intelligence processing to provide optimum efficiency during operations in all traffic conditions.
The system can detect and avoid obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles, making it safe for public transportation. The CAVstar system also receives information directly from traffic light systems, enabling the vehicle to choose the correct speed to travel smoothly between lights, reducing journey times, and increasing efficiency.
The CAVstar system is designed to operate at SAE Level 4, meaning the vehicle can operate fully autonomously in certain conditions without human intervention. However, the system still requires a safety driver to be on board, ready to take control of the vehicle in case of an emergency. The safety driver can also override the system if needed, making it an ideal solution for public transportation.
Fusion Processing has been developing autonomous vehicle technology since 2012 and has been involved in numerous autonomous vehicle projects worldwide. The CAVstar system has been extensively tested and has been designed to operate in complex driving environments, making it suitable for public transportation.
CONCLUSION
The CAVForth autonomous bus project in Scotland is a significant milestone in the development of autonomous transportation systems. The successful trials have led to the launch of a scheduled passenger service that will operate seven days a week, carrying up to 10,000 passengers each week. The buses utilize Fusion Processing’s CAVstar autonomous drive system, combining advanced sensors and artificial intelligence processing to provide optimum operating efficiency. The project marks a significant step towards the implementation of similar autonomous bus services in other parts of the world. The success of the project could contribute significantly to the transformation of public transportation systems, improving safety and reducing energy consumption.
