The Pros of Autonomous Vehicles

As the Communications Manager for Fusion Processing I regularly get asked about the benefits of autonomous vehicles and why do we, as a society, need them? Below are a few of the key ones:

• Improved efficiency reducing carbon footprint – Autonomous Vehicles can optimise fuel efficiency; be they ICE or electronically propelled
• Improved safety – fewer collisions and fewer deaths and injuries. Currently 94% of accidents are caused by a human driver (Digital Trends). It’s time we addressed that statistic
• Improved traffic optimisation – the vehicles can optimise route and speeds depending on the conditions, and can drop passengers at their intended destination, and return to base or park at a location that does not need to be near the destination, thereby eliminating the search for parking space - a source of city centre congestion
• Increased mobility for those who cannot drive – more inclusive society. Uber et al have transformed the mobility industry and autonomous vehicles will drive this even further as new forms of transport are developed, from full sized autonomous buses to micro transport such as last-mile pods
• Improved productivity / lifestyle – people can make use of the time they would have spent driving, either by relaxing or working whilst being driven
• Improved mobility use models – Those whose car use is occasional may choose to use MAAS (Mobility As A Service) options rather than own a car. This could prove financially beneficial to many and becomes more workable with AV technology
• For buses – improved ride quality and punctuality as the automated driving system optimises the driving to the weather and traffic conditions whilst maintaining the schedule

Who are Fusion Processing?

Fusion Processing was founded in 2012 to design and build world leading systems for the automations of vehicles and technology to improve vehicle safety.

World Leaders in automated driving systems, situational awareness and control systems technology, Fusion Processing’s products have clocked up over 1.8 million kilometres of service. Innovations include CAVstar? a sensor and control system, CycleEye? CMS, a mirror replacement system for busses and trucks, designed and developed in house at their Bristol, UK headquarters. With numerous vehicles taking part in technology trials and commercial operations today, Fusion are driving road safety and enabling smart city traffic management systems that are set to transform the automotive industry.