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Connected and automated mobility

Connected and autonomous mobility (CAM) uses information technology to improve the safety and experience of driving. In place of human control, sensors and software are used for threat detection, navigation, and steering.

Our work with partners in manufacturing, technology and education will help the region to play a leading role in this emerging sector and support the modernisation of road transport. Our CAM projects are funded by a range of sources, including Innovate UK and the Department for Transport-sponsored Future Transport Zone programme.

Aims

  • Make roads safer by reducing incidents caused by human error
  • Improve accessibility for people with disabilities
  • Develop the regional economy by helping the automotive sector to evolve

Recent activity

  • Completed feasibility studies into the use of automated vehicles along routes in the West Midlands
  • Tested real-time traffic alerts and driver instructions using a Virtual Variable Message Sign (VVMS) system during a one-month pilot on the M6 toll (May 2023)
  • Tested in-vehicle messaging service (IVMS) during a one-month pilot on the M6 toll (May 2023)
  • Two-month passenger trial of an autonomous shuttle in Solihull on a route between Resorts World and the NEC (September 2021)
  • Midlands Future Mobility CAV testbed opened (September 2021). The real-world testing facility is the largest in the UK
  • Installed CAV testbed infrastructure (Summer 2021). We set up roadside sensors, cameras and wireless networks along the 200-mile route

Feasibility studies

Blythe & Rural Automated Vehicles Operations (BRAVO)

The BRAVO study was completed in November 2024. It investigated the feasibility of operating a CAM service along the M42 between Blythe Valley Park and Birmingham International Rail Station.

The study explored:

  • What is needed to allow a CAM vehicle to join, operate and leave a motorway at appropriate speeds
  • What is needed to ensure onboard safety of passenger
  • The views of CAM services by potential customers
  • The costs and demand for a CAM service along this route

The East Birmingham – North Solihull (EBNS)

The EBNS study was completed in November 2023. It investigated the feasibility of operating a CAM service between Digbeth in East Birmingham and Birmingham International Rail Station, via Bordesley Green, Meadway, Chelmsley Wood and Birmingham Business Park. The route had been previously reviewed for a Metro extension.

The study explored:

  • What is needed to ensure allow the CAM vehicles to operate along the route safely in mixed traffic without causing inconvenience to local residents
  • What is needed to ensure onboard safety of passenger
  • The views of CAM services by the public
  • The costs and demand for a CAM service along this route

Partners

  • Amey, construction and planning partner
  • Arup, consultancy partner
  • Aurrigo, CAM systems advisory partner
  • Costain, construction partner
  • Coventry University, academic partner
  • Horiba Mira, the company operating the CAV Testbed
  • Liftango, operational service advisory partner
  • Midlands Future Mobility, the West Midlands CAV consortium
  • National Highways, national sponsor
  • Solihull Metropolitan Brough Council, local authority partner
  • Syselek, CAM safety partner
  • Vodafone, communications partner
  • Warwick Manufacturing Group, academic partner
  • Wireless Infrastructure Group, communications partner
  • ZF, CAM systems advisory partner

Further information