Hyundai Motor Company has completed a landmark test that successfully saw a platoon of trucks travelling autonomously as one.

The test took place earlier this month on the Yeoju Smart Highway and replicated real-world traffic conditions.

A significant step forward for self-driving vehicles

The trial was carried out using two trailer-connected Xcient trucks. The Yeoju Smart Highway is a 7.7 km testbed constantly populated by vehicles for autonomous driving research, making it quite similar to the conditions of an actual highway.

A demonstration of the capabilities of Hyundai’s new platooning system for automated driving saw vehicles moving in and out of the connected trailers with each vehicle maintaining safe distance and connection to the rest of the platoon.

Emergency braking systems were also tested and operated successfully, while communication between the two trailers was monitored at all times and was shown to operate effectively.

The test saw a constant speed limit of 60 mph adhered to by all vehicles, meaning future tests will be required to more closely replicate real-world conditions with shifting speeds.

“We are confident that our industry-leading autonomous driving technology in commercial vehicles showcased in this platooning truck demonstration will lead into a revolutionary paradigm shift in the freight and logistics industry,” commented Jihan Ryu, head of Hyundai Motor’s Commercial Vehicle Electronics Control Engineering Group.

What does it mean to reach Level 5?

There are five levels of autonomous driving, rated as:

• Level 0: No automation – the driver performs all tasks.
• Level 1: Driver assistance – some individual automated assistance available, but the driver is in full control at all times.
• Level 2: Partial automation – some combined automated functions, but the driver must remain in control at all times.
• Level 3: Conditional automation – driver not required to monitor the environment in specific circumstances but must always be prepared to take control.
• Level 4: High automation – vehicle has full automation in some conditions; driver has the option to take over if needed.
• Level 5: Full automation – vehicle is capable of performing all driving functions under all conditions, but driver has option to take charge.

At present, many vehicles can claim to be at Level 3 or 4; Level 5 automation is proving elusive. This latest successful test, however, may mean full automation could be just around the corner.

Mr Ryu concluded: “We will strive to create constructive synergy by sharing our knowhow and experiences of developing autonomous driving technology between commercial vehicle and passenger vehicle sectors to expedite Level 5 autonomous driving technology.”

Jenny Smith, general manager for Tele-Gence, commented: “This successful test could be a landmark moment in the development of fully-autonomous vehicles for the freight and logistics sector. It represents a significant step forward in autonomous vehicles.

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Britain’s infrastructure is increasingly unfit for purpose and this is impacting directly upon businesses, according to a new poll.

Research carried out by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) in conjunction with Stagecoach found that of the 1,200 business leaders surveyed, only 35 per cent feel the UK road network is meeting their needs when it comes to reaching customers, employees and suppliers.

Losing business due to poor roads

This was even lower than the 47 per cent recorded in 2018, with 60 per cent saying they had experienced delays that resulted in issues such as client dissatisfaction and loss of business within the past month.

The BCC is now calling on the government and whoever is in power following the upcoming general election to make significant investments in road and rail schemes and to give companies more say in local decision-making.

Spokesperson Claire Walker said: “Upgrading our road and rail capacity would send a vital signal that businesses are finally being heard, would kick-start business investment across the country and will pay dividends long into the future.”

The National Infrastructure Commission has recommended public spending on infrastructure should make up 1.2 per cent of GDP per year by 2020, but the BCC is keen for this to rise to at least 1.4 per cent to ensure roads are fit for purpose.

Ellie Baker, brand manager at Fuel Card Services, comments: “We’ve all seen evidence that Britain’s roads are in a state, but to see this impacting upon businesses in such a tangible way is truly shocking. It’s clear something must be done.”

Fleet owners have been warned they may need to alter the way they deliver road safety training, amid an increase in both older and younger drivers on Britain’s roads.

The advice comes from licence checking firm Licence Bureau, which said it is seeing millennial’s and even younger drivers entering the business driving workforce at the same time as rising retirement ages mean a boom in so-called ‘grey fleet’ motorists.

 

Rising numbers at both ends of the spectrum

Indeed, according to the Department for Transport, the number of people aged between 60 and 69 with a driving licence has now reached the highest since records began. In addition, eight per cent more 17 to 20-year-olds had a licence in 2018, than was the case the year before.

Licence Bureau said this means the era of business drivers typically being 30 to 50 years old has now passed, so managers need to alter their safety provision accordingly.

Spokesperson Steve Pinchen suggested the scenario is something of a ‘perfect storm’, with different challenges at each end of the spectrum.

“The key is to ensure all company car drivers are treated as individuals and given access to the appropriate support mechanisms such as risk assessments, employee audits and road safety training,” he added.

Ellie Baker, brand manager at Fuel Card Services, comments: “This is an interesting new trend and one we agree is going to need addressing. For example, older drivers may need more regular vision checks, while the younger ones could benefit from resources on technology use behind the wheel. The main thing is to take a look now and get ahead of the issue.”

A village in Oxfordshire is to become the first in Britain to trial a new road surface that could finally end the nation’s pothole problems.

Oxfordshire County Council has teamed up with graphene specialist Directa Plus to lay 750 metres of graphene-enhanced tarmac along roads in Curbridge in the hope that its strength will see it last far longer than traditional surfaces.

An innovative solution to a growing problem

It was reported back in July that Highways England had partnered with the Manchester-based Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre in the hope of looking into ways of using the material to create the roads of the future.

Now, a real-world test has been created and the road in Curbridge will be compared against its neighbours over winter to assess service life, resistance to vehicles and deformation levels.

It is hoped that using what’s referred to as a ‘super modifier’ in this way will create far stronger highways, with the potential to roll them out across the country if the trial is a success.

Better surfaces could reduce the steady stream of roadworks fleet drivers will be used to seeing, as well as lessening the likelihood of damage to vehicles caused by potholes.

Directa Plus chief executive Giulio Cesareo said: “This technology will allow governments to supply better quality roads for drivers and other road users, at better value for money, and in a more environmentally sustainable way.”

First isolated at the University of Manchester in 2004, graphene is the world’s first two-dimensional material and is a million times thinner than a human hair, yet is also stronger than steel.

Ellie Baker, brand manager at Fuel Card Services, comments: “We’re well aware that fleet drivers are sick of having their journeys blighted by potholes, so let’s hope this trial proves fruitful and stronger roads can be created across Britain.”