5G CAL (Connected Automated Logistics)

• Total project value: £4,851,780
• DCMS funding: £2,422,370
• Project location: North East

Nissan, Sunderland Council, the North East Motor Manufacturers Group and Three will deliver 5G-connected, autonomous 40-tonne trucks to distribute parts and assemblies across the Nissan plant, linking to many local SMEs in their supply chain. As with 5G FoF, this is about driving operational efficiencies and improving productivity. Their vision is to develop a globally unique centre of excellence and operational test facility for CAL at the Nissan Sunderland site.

Paul Butler, Chief Executive of the North East Automotive Alliance, said:

Automated last mile logistics is one of the major innovation challenges, this is especially true in the automotive sector with its synchronous and highly complexed supply chains. This project will prove last mile delivery for an autonomous HGV, the 5G will uniquely enable the removal of the safety driver from the process, allowing remote teleoperations to overcome abnormal situations. Through our industrial base and the unique assets of our road transport sector the North East offers a globally unique location to support the design, development and manufacture of Connected and Automated Logistics solutions. This project represents a major opportunity to support and accelerate economic growth, creating an exemplar that will encourage further private and public sector investment.

Project Overview

5G Connected Automotive Logistics is based in the North East. Through 5G we will demonstrate the key features for successful CAL deployment – the safe and secure operation and handover of the CAV from autonomous mode to remote manual operation (teleoperation) and vice versa, when a situation outside of the autonomous logic of the vehicle arises. This is considered a crucial demonstration of the capabilities of 5G and CAL, and critical for their operation in potential emergency situations, and, it is believed, will represent a world-first innovation.