The Government has announced an investment boost for projects that explore how autonomous vehicles could benefit businesses and communities across the UK as part of the £150 million CAM Pathfinder programme.

Running until 2030, programme is seen as key to realising the industry’s potential, says Computer Weekly. It is aimed at addressing the challenges of bringing CAM vehicles to market, providing funding for projects that are intended to develop “world-first” technologies, products and services, ranging from “cutting-edge” software to smart transport services. It was announced in the government’s advanced manufacturing sector plan, which aims to grow the UK’s CAM industry – calculated to be worth £3.7 billion.

Projects funded by CAM Pathfinder, including an autonomous excavator, the expansion of a self-driving bus trial, and autonomous vehicles for airports, must demonstrate that the cutting-edge technology or mobility services being developed can help industries become safer, sustainable, inclusive and more productive. By accelerating the development, deployment and adoption of such technologies and services, the objective is to support growth and investment, and unlock innovation across transport.

The CAM Pathfinder programme is delivered by the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV), supported by Zenzic and Innovate UK. CCAV is a joint policy unit of the Department for Transport and the Department for Business and Trade. Zenzic was created by the UK government and industry to champion the CAM ecosystem and lead the UK in accelerating the self-driving revolution, with the goal of ensuring a safer, more secure, sustainable and inclusive transport future.

The UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders estimates that CAM could deliver a £66 billion annual economic boost to the UK by 2040. While often associated with passenger cars, the construction sector is also seen as a major beneficiary, with the potential to utilise automated off-highway machinery and logistics to improve worksite safety and efficiency.

The latest projects are seen as being able to help realise that opportunity by supporting innovation and commercial deployment across multiple UK regions, creating opportunities for high-value jobs, increasing productivity and strengthening domestic supply chains.

(Picture: Port of Felixstowe)