A new facility for testing connected and autonomous logistics technologies is set to launch at Teesside International Airport.
With £3.5 million of investment behind it, the Teesside Digital Trade Testbed aims to boost global trade by supporting logistics companies to develop their connected and autonomous mobility (CAM) solutions, says Zag Daily. The facility includes a testing zone with a private 5G network covering the airport.
This marks the eighth test site to join the CAM Testbed UK – a group of independent organisations which aims to strengthen the UK’s position in the connected and autonomous mobility market.
“We’re delighted to welcome the Teesside Digital Trade Testbed to CAM Testbed UK,” Mark Cracknell, Programme Director at Zenzic which is a founding member of CAM Testbed UK, said. “Its focus on digital trade and logistics complements our existing network and reflects the future of mobility, one that is deeply connected with supply chains and global commerce.
“This facility will help accelerate real-world innovation, inform policy, and support UK leadership in the digitisation of trade and transport.”
The Testbed has been developed by Teesside University, the Tees Valley Combined Authority, the International Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation and Teesside Freeport. It aims to provide businesses with a real-world environment to trial their connected and autonomous technologies such as AI, machine learning, IoT, geofencing and decentralised digital identities. In doing so, it plans to accelerate time-to-market, reduce risk, and improve operational efficiencies.
Participating businesses are expected to benefit from faster and more automated import and export processes, streamlined cross-border data exchange, and improved supply chain visibility and interoperability. Ultimately, the Testbed’s aim is to support these businesses with their international trade, compliance with regulation, and facilitate their adoption of digital trade solutions.
The testing facility is currently under construction with operations anticipated for later in the summer.
(Pic: CAM Testbed UK)
