Key takeaways from the SMMT Connected 2024

Partners from our mobility and technology sectors attended the event and provided their key takeaways from the summit:

The connected car of the future

The opening fireside chat between JLR and Stellantis, along with the industry keynote, delved into the connected technologies that OEMs are developing for their future vehicles. These leaders emphasised several critical enablers to the rollout of such technologies:

1. Safety & security. By leveraging technology, any safety and security concerns associated with vehicles can be addressed effectively. Real-time data sharing between vehicles, while maintaining customer protection, is key.

2. Cost & joint ventures. The transformation toward greater connectivity involves costs. Expect more joint ventures between automakers and technology firms to accelerate innovation and reduce cost.

3. Equal priority. Sustainability and connectivity share equal priority for OEMs. Whether luxury or standard models, seamless access to technology is essential.

4. Education & trust. Educating end-users about technology ensures safety adherence and builds trust. Lessons from electric vehicle (EV) rollouts will aid the journey toward autonomy.

5. Infrastructure & connectivity. To create a better future, infrastructure and connectivity must work hand in hand.

Making the quantum leap

Moderated by Ben Gardner, this session focussed on addressing the last hurdles for a secure and responsible commercial launch of automated vehicles.

The panel outlined that there is high demand to work with public transport systems and fleet operators but regulations and guidance were needed to provide certainty for business on how services should be offered. They summarised that for stakeholder management and engagement, the key is to demonstrate safety considerations and to build trust in the product, especially when external factors like extreme weather conditions can affect performance.

Challenges beyond regulation include things like disability access, as the user profile has predominately been designed for those without a disability. There is also the challenge of operating at scale on a commercial basis, while developing solutions that customers want and need using constantly advancing technologies.

Accidents and incidents were identified as are another major concern, as they can erode trust with end users and ultimately public adoption of the products. They acknowledged that whilst the UK is ahead of the US in ensuring relevant terms are communicated, third party interference with the vehicle is an issue that remains largely unsolved, unless prevented through private networks. Scaling up deployment of these types of vehicles is still following the 2026 target, but safety trials need to happen alongside this simultaneously.

Finally, the panel also raised a question about profitability versus cost of the product, given a lot of the technology is currently new and therefore expensive, given lack of competitive market. However it was suggested that autonomous vehicles could address the commercial challenges and job skills gaps in certain sectors following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Trustworthy AI & meaningful technology

Delving into strategies for establishing public trust and confidence in this technology, this panel outlined the major human error factor in causing limitations in predicting certain outcomes, but suggested artificial intelligence (AI) can help address challenges. Modular robotics, for instance, often require human programming, but AI can enhance their adaptability.

However, as highlighted in a previous panel, accessibility remains an area where we need improvement. While autonomous cars significantly benefit people with disabilities by promoting independence and well-being, other modes of autonomous transportation like buses and trains may pose more challenges due to access limitations. Designing with accessibility in mind is crucial, and AI can play a role in ensuring this from the start, rather than secondary implementation.

Predicting the entire driving ecosystem is essential, especially when considering exceptions such as blind or partially sighted individuals. AI needs to interpret images differently based on user sight and vision. Achieving a global agreement on AI approaches is vital for consistent progress.

More widely, autonomous vehicles offer solutions through fuel efficiency, safety, and reduced congestion. Both off-road (e.g. logistics, mining, and agriculture) and on-road adoption have benefits. However, it was exposed that investment challenges remain, with attention often too concentrated in other areas still like EV charging and Battery as a Service (BaaS). Governments should provide incentives to create an equal market across the entire transport network and effective communication along the entire chain is essential to build trust and enhance end-to-end services. Addressing gaps in data connectivity is crucial for successful rollout, necessitating advanced connectivity infrastructure.

Seeing is believing

Delegates heard of actual global case studies of automated vehicle commercial deployment. The panel discussed valuable lessons drawn from these initial rollouts and the critical factors for gaining public and commercial acceptance.

These included:

• Australia leading the world in autonomous mining trucks, with 575 autonomous trucks currently in use across its mines. This number significantly surpasses Canada’s 143 autonomous trucks, making Australia a pioneer in this field. Additionally, six mines in Australia operate entirely with autonomous trucks.
• In a project funded by Vinnova through Drive Sweden, a delivery robot and an autonomous bus are being tested together at Chalmers Johanneberg campus. The goal is to explore how freight and passenger transport can interact in an urban environment.
• The Volvo Group, along with the Swedish Transport Administration, the Swedish Transport Agency, Lindholmen Science Park, and the City of Gothenburg, initiated the groundbreaking project called ‘Drive Me’. This unique pilot project involves self-driving cars on public roads.
• Waymo, has made significant strides in Phoenix, Arizona and San Francisco, California where they operate their Waymo One ride-hailing service. Users can request rides through the Waymo One app and enjoy trips in an all-electric Jaguar I-PACE, with no human driver behind the wheel. Up to four passengers can ride at a time, and the Waymo Driver (their autonomous technology) takes care of the journey. The service currently operates 24/7.
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) has been at the forefront of testing and implementing autonomous vehicle technology. Fully autonomous mobility vehicles designed to assist passengers with reduced mobility. These vehicles enable Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRMs) to navigate the airport terminal freely and independently.
• Changi Airport Group in Singapore has been actively exploring and implementing autonomous vehicle technology, particularly in the context of baggage handling.

They emphasised that the difficulties they encounter are similar to what the UK is dealing with right now and that current use examples can offer valuable lessons. Sharing knowledge from errors and incidents can help to establish a common approach in execution and security. The panel outlined that power and data is only just meeting the present demand, but it needs more improvement, so we don't lag behind. It was also mentioned that many resources in terms of money and time are required to get projects to their current level.

The road ahead

The map for the future set out at the conference and outlined in SMMT’s Connected and Automated Mobility Report at the Spring Parliamentary Reception the evening before, illustrate that the UK Automotive industry faces a critical moment. To maintain its global prominence in technology development and mobility, decisive action is imperative. By fostering collaboration between government and industry, we can harness the potential of connected and automated mobility (CAM).

This technology promises substantial socio-economic benefits, including saving lives, preventing accidents, creating jobs, and enhancing travel experiences. The opportunity is ripe, and seizing it will benefit the British people, the economy, and the environment.

Positively, connected and automated vehicles (and the benefits they can bring) have cross-party buy-in, with ministers from both the Conservative and Labour parties speaking at the Summit and declaring their desire to support the industry at this transformative time.  Likewise, the Automated Vehicles Bill has similar cross-party support and therefore the UK is well-poised to reap the economic and societal rewards that will become available as the technology continues its shift from the realms of science fiction and into the real world.