Fusion Processing said it has numerous autonomous vehicles taking part in technology trials and commercial operations today. | Source: Fusion Processing
Fusion Processing finished building its first Alexander Dennis Enviro100AEV autonomous, electric bus. The company equipped it with its CAVstar Level 4/5 autonomous driving system as part of the Connector project based in Cambridge, UK. The bus will soon undergo track testing to calibrate and optimize Fusion Processing’s CAVstar system.
Fusion Processing said the CAVstar system consists of an AI processing unit coupled with radar, LIDAR, optical cameras and ultrasonic sensors that enable the system to analyze and understand its environment. The company said CAVstar has already been used as vehicle control systems in several other autonomous vehicle projects, including last-mile pods, small robots and off-road vehicles.
This initiative is part of the Innovate UK-backed Connector project, led by the Greater Cambridge Partnership. The project is also supported by a consortium that includes Fusion Processing, Alexander Dennis, IPG Automotive, dRISK, and Gamma Energy. The project receives funding and guidance from the UK Government’s Center for Connected & Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV).
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After the track testing is complete, the bus will move to Cambridge where safety drivers will receive training to oversee operations. Fusion Processing said it will launch public services later in 2025 at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, a hub for biomedical research, patient care, and education.
“This builds on the substantial work we have done with Fusion Processing and other partners in similar projects to further refine this technology as we continue to explore use cases where autonomous buses can improve operational efficiency and add flexibility to transport networks,” Jamie Wilson, head of concepts & advanced engineering for Alexander Dennis, said.
Founded in 2012, Fusion Processing designs and builds autonomous driving systems. The company’s products include CAVstar and CycleEyeCMS, a mirror replacement system for buses and trucks, designed and developed in-house at their Bristol, UK headquarters. So far, the company said its products have clocked over 2 million kilometers of service.
“The Connector project positions Cambridge at the forefront of innovation by trialing autonomous vehicles on our roads,” said Cllr Elisa Meschini, chair of the Greater Cambridge Partnership’s executive board. “This initiative not only paves the way for more sustainable and efficient travel but also highlights the power of collaboration in shaping the future of public transport. The unveiling of the first vehicle is a testament to the dedication and expertise of everyone involved.”
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