Scania to Develop and Test Truck Platooning for Singapore
Published On Jan 13, 2017
Scania is getting ready to test automatic truck platooning system in Singapore. The renowned CV maker will use the developed version of its existing advanced technology to test the platooning system.
The tests will include trucks using public roads for transporting containers between port terminals located in Singapore. A convoy consisting of four trucks, with three trucks following the lead one automatically will be tested. Self-driving abilities of three trucks following the lead truck will also be tested.
Claes Erixon, head of Research and Development at Scania, said, "Autonomous vehicles and platooning are cornerstones of future sustainable transport systems. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate our leadership and technology in this new exciting area. We are pioneering in this field, which has the potential not only to save lives in traffic, but also to significantly decrease the environmental impact of transport.”
The tests are scheduled to be held in two phases. While the first phase will focus on testing and refining the trucks platooning technology in Japan and Sweden, the second phase will witness the development and technology testing in Singapore itself.
As per Scania, Singapore is currently facing a shortage of drivers as the demand for travel in the country is increasing. The country also has a shortage of land for new roads.
Mark Cameron, country manager for Scania in Singapore, said, "Scania is well advanced in cutting edge autonomous technology as well as in platooning. Singapore has launched several autonomous vehicle initiatives and together we will now demonstrate how we can substantially enhance productivity in the Port of Singapore.”
This project, organized by the Ministry of Transport and the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA Corporation), will also see Toyota in action, confirmed Scania. Self-driving vehicles like buses, taxis, UVs and cars have already been tested in the country.
