Hermes to use hidden drivers to trial new autonomous vans

Hermes is taking part in a trial to find out how other road users interact with an apparently driverless van, in order to discover if autonomous vehicles might help their business.

The two-week early stage trial involves a specially adapted Ford CV featuring sensors that mimic the look of an actual self-driving vehicle, while a ‘hidden’ Hermes driver controls the vehicle.

Hermes said the driver will play a passive role, simply driving the vehicle while ‘pedestrian couriers’ support the van, remotely unlocking it after it is parked up.

Read more

• UPS trials driverless electric ‘shifters’ at London hub
• New research points to rapid rise of ‘driverless accompanied’ roro traffic
• Pandemic halts trials of autonomous HGV platoons

It said the research vehicle should help it understand how its teams could work safely alongside a fully driverless vehicle in the future.

Lynsey Aston, Hermes head of product, innovation and onboarding, said: “We’re excited to collaborate with Ford on this proof of concept trial, which is all about understanding the potential for autonomous vehicles and if they have a role in delivery in the longer-term future.”