Innovation Award

Partnered with

Brigade Electronics

Brigade believes its Radar Predict product is one of the most technically sophisticated in its portfolio and will identify the behaviour of the vehicle as well as the VRU.

It has been developed as a highly accurate collision detection system using artificial intelligence (AI) to determine potential collisions and warn the driver with sufficient time for an intervention.

Radar Predict can detect VRUs up to 5m from the side of the vehicle, 7m in front and up to 30m to the rear of the cabin.

The product constantly gathers object detection data such as the speed, direction, acceleration, and turning rate of a vehicle. This data is then put through a processor created by Brigade technology partners to calculate the point of collision with VRUs alongside the vehicle and warns the driver of any risks through a visual display teamed with audible warnings.

“This is a great product and a solid entry for an age-old problem,” said one judge. “It provides more confidence to drivers and ensures legislation like DVS is met."

Dpd

DPD boosted its sustainability credentials in 2022 by becoming the first carrier to make deliveries using zero-emission electric robots. Following successful trials, it is liaising with 41 local authorities to extend the programme nationwide.

Recipients are notified of a delivery in advance, and once they confirm that they are at home to receive the parcel, the robot is dispatched. They can track the robot's progress on a map, then use a PIN code to open the secure compartment and access their parcel. Once the compartment is closed, the robot returns to the depot for its next load.

In the next phase of the trial, robots will carry up to four parcels per trip, increasing the number of deliveries made on one charge from 25 to 75.

“These are proven multiple deployments with potential to scale and there’s a strong social value and financial case,” said one judge. “DPD has continued to push the boundaries of innovation challenging the ‘how’ and building on what has come previously. This year’s entry continues the theme, it’s another good submission.”

Hvs

HVS, a pioneer in zero-emission hydrogen-electric HGVs, recently revealed its full-size Hydrogen Goods Vehicle tractor technology demonstrator. Engineered by a team of commercial vehicle experts, the HGV has a radically new ground-up design, presenting innovations in packaging, performance, range, efficiency, weight, maintenance and lifecycle.

Headquartered in Glasgow and the Midlands, HVS aims to disrupt the commercial vehicle industry by being the first to market with an all-new zero-emission hydrogen-electric HGV capable of pulling a 40-tonne load, which will decarbonise the heaviest polluting vehicle segment.

Thanks to HVS’ principle investor, EG Group (part of Euro Garages), the company has both a route to market via transport operators and the crucial refuelling infrastructure. HVS believes just seven to 12 commercial hydrogen fuel stations would cover 90% of the UK, making hydrogen fuel cell HGVs viable thanks to their 370-mile range. It refuels as fast as diesel in just 15 to 20 minutes.

“Wow, this is fantastic and a total game changer,” said one of our judges. “Forget the cost, lead times and infrastructure, the HVS needs to be admired and judged on innovation alone.”

Tvs

TVS Interfleet and Renault Trucks submitted a proposal to Tarmac to develop the UK’s first fully electric mixer. TVSI took the opportunity to challenge every element of the conventional mixer design, its interaction with the vehicle chassis and its operation.

Through the various development stages, TVSI were able to re-design and/or reduce the weight of numerous components, lowering kerb weight to carry a 5.8cu m drum, allowing the e-mixer to deliver a typical payload equivalent to its ICE counterpart. The result is an e-mixer that is expected to save 42 tonnes of CO2 annually, with zero emissions per mile.

The e-mixer has just completed a successful three-month real-world trial and is now in full operation from Tarmac’s Washwood Heath site.

“A ground-breaking innovation,” said one of our judges. “The e-mixer has clear features and benefits and great trial results. It has gone through a whole new design and is trying to mitigate current risk such as roll overs. This specific solution should work for the EV sector due to the nature of the operation and the depot radius they operate in.”