Black Country firm developing driverless road sweepers
A new driverless electric road sweeper and a revolutionary jet ski are being developed in the Black Country.
Westfield Autonomous Vehicles, part of Westfield Technology Group – which includes Westfield Sportscars – at Gibbons Industrial Park, Kingswinford, is behind both cleaner technology projects.
The firm is working with Johnston Sweepers and Fusion Processing to make the UK’s first fully autonomous pure electric road sweeper. With Potenza Technology, it will also work to create the twin drive all-electric jet ski.
The projects are being funded by the Niche Vehicle Network. The sweeper’s aim is to automate the repetitive sweeping process in precincts and pedestrian areas, keeping the environment clear of litter and detritus, and to report and remove foreign objects in safety-critical environments such as airside at airports and in live roadworks projects, reducing the risk of punctures and associated delays.
Westfield chief executive Julian Turner said: “A fully autonomous road sweeper could revolutionise town centre sweeping, improving the environment for residents and businesses. This is an exciting opportunity to develop the technology for use at airports and on roadwork sites.
“We are delighted to work with these two organisations at the forefront of advancing these pioneering applications.” On the jet ski, the two businesses aim to improve hydrodynamic efficiency and produce a vehicle that has enhanced safety, lower emissions and decreased noise pollution.
They also aim to apply the technology wider than just jet skis to other marine vessels, which will further improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon dioxide and other emissions, and improve air quality of those vehicles. “We look forward to seeing where this research takes us,” said Mr Turner.
“The potential to develop the technology to produce electrified vessels that have low audible noise and thermal footprint is huge.” The project aims to eliminate 10 tonnes of carbon each year from jet skis, compared to the equivalent internal combustion system.
Electric vehicle pioneer Westfield recently agreed a £30 million supply deal with South Korea for its first autonomous electric pod.
For the sweeper project a Westfield pod, a Johnston sweeper and the Fusion Autonomy system will be combined. The sweeper will be trialled at shopping centres and airports – including Birmingham Airport. Jet ski trials include canals covered by Dudley Canal Trust.
