INDUSTRY News


UKWA welcomes the government’s Future of Freight plan


The UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) has welcomed the government’s newly-published Future of Freight Plan, and agrees with its finding that there’s a disconnect between industry and local planning authorities who do not fully understanding the needs of a changing and innovative freight and logistics sector.


This is the first-ever cross-modal


and cross-government plan for the UK freight transport sector, which sets out the government’s long-term vision and follows extensive collaboration with industry and stakeholders. The plan identifies the main challenges, objectives and actions that need to be taken in five priority areas: The National Freight Network –


identify the network across road, rail, maritime, aviation, inland waterway and warehouse infrastructure, to remove any barriers that prevent the seamless flow of freight. Transition to net zero – support the sector in its transition to net zero. Launch a Freight Energy Forum in conjunction with industry, to assess future energy and fuel needs and identify paths to providing the requisite infrastructure. Planning – further embed freight in planning, transport and design policy and guidance, and ensure it is well represented in planning reforms. Publish a call for evidence with industry to support this work. People and skills – expand awareness of the sector and freight careers amongst


UK’s fi rst autonomous HGV pilot completed


The pioneering 5G Connected and Automated Logistics (5G CAL) pilot has successfully proven the potential of next-generation technology that makes last-mile logistics more efficient. For the project, StreetDrone’s innovative autonomous and tele- operation technology was built into a Terberg EV truck, to drive between Vantec and Nissan in a fully automated way. The repetitive driving of articulated goods vehicles along an arterial route on the manufacturing site is now partly enabled by autonomous and tele-operated software – a useful substitute for scarce HGV drivers. “Our approach to automating the way vehicles deliver goods efficiently in ports, freight yards and at manufacturing facilities has been pragmatic. We automate when our technology readiness is fit for purpose and ready to deploy. Simply put, we deliver smart automation in stages,” said Mike Potts, StreetDrone Co- Founder and CEO. The 5G CAL project was awarded a


share of £30m through 5G Create, an open competition combining British creativity with innovative new uses for 5G as part of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s £200m 5G Testbeds and Trials programme (5GTT).


8 June 2022 | Automation


the public, particularly through the industry-led and government-backed Generation Logistics communication campaign. Maximise the impact of cross-government employment and skills programmes for the freight sector. Data and technology – maximise opportunities for uptake of innovative technology and digitalisation, including through delivery of a dedicated cross- modal £7m freight innovation fund. “This plan focuses on meeting some of the key challenges faced by the UK’s warehousing sector, as well as the wider logistics industry. It’s important that industry plays its part, but, equally, that relevant areas of government collaborate to ensure its success,” said Clare Bottle, UKWA Chief Executive.


Novel paper bubble wrap


5G CAL project team with the Teleop system (L-R):


Mike Potts, StreetDrone, Patrick Melia, Sunderland City Council, Paul Butler, NEAA, and Martin Kendall, Vantec


“Through this 5G CAL pilot, we have been able to showcase the power of 5G and our unique technology in supporting smart city infrastructure, which are stimulating real advancements for both logistics and advanced manufacturing. This successful pilot has revealed a host of new opportunities, not just commercially for the automotive sector, but for upskilling and new job prospects, empowering local people by creating the potential for careers in higher value, better paid jobs,” said Patrick Melia, Chief Executive at Sunderland City Council.


wins award Protega Global’s novel Hexcel Wrap ‘paper bubble wrap’ has been nominated as one of the Packaging Innovations Top-Ten products at the Packaging Innovations & Empack show. The paper bubble wrap is also the industry’s fi rst UK-manufactured product of its kind. Hexcel Wrap can be eff ortlessly wrapped around products to off er protection equivalent to plastic bubble, but without the impact on the environment. This pioneering paper- based packaging can be dispensed anywhere, either from lightweight free- standing dispensers or from an under- the-bench dispenser. An effi cient method for packing fragile goods without the requirement for a power supply or adhesive tape, the Hexcel Wrap is 100% recyclable, off ers faster pack times by up to 50%, and lower operator footfall for replenishment. This is boosting productivity as well as dramatically reduces the use of plastic. “The packaging industry recognises the giant strides we are making through products that are not only environmentally-friendly but also manufactured entirely in the UK,” said Protega’s Marketing Manager, Daniel Willock.


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