Fusion Processing claims it is ready to commercialize autonomous trucks, buses, and material handling vehicles, following advancements in its Automated Drive technology and the enactment of the Automated Vehicle Act 2024. At the CENEX show, the company outlined how these developments, combined with a new regulatory framework, pave the way for the deployment of autonomous vehicles in commercial transportation.
Fusion’s Automated Drive System, CAVstar, was featured in the Bradshaw EV T800 Tow Tractor, which successfully completed trials at a UK industrial site. The automated Tow Tractor is set for market release in 2025. Fusion is seeking partnerships with truck and bus manufacturers to facilitate the introduction of automated vehicles between 2026 and 2028.
The company highlighted that automated vehicles are well-suited for commercial applications, especially in logistics and public transport, due to their ability to consistently handle repeat routes. This ensures reliable service delivery and helps operators maintain efficient schedules. The focus on professional use, rather than consumer applications, ensures that these vehicles meet the demands of experienced operators, providing safety and reliability in complex environments. Additionally, autonomous vehicles reduce wear on tires and brakes, lower emissions, and contribute to cost savings and environmental sustainability.
Fusion Processing has accumulated extensive real-world experience, with its technology being tested over 85,000 kilometers in various weather conditions and traffic scenarios using 12-meter buses. This operational history provides a foundation for deploying similar solutions in trucks and buses.
CEO Jim Hutchinson emphasized that the convergence of technology and regulatory readiness means fleet operators should prepare for the availability of autonomous vehicles within the next few years, much sooner than anticipated. Fusion Processing is positioning itself to lead this transition, offering safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions for the transportation industry.
