Advancements in AI, space technology, and robotics have accelerated the emergence of vehicles capable of operating with greater levels of autonomy

Uber has announced it will trial autonomous vehicles (AVs) with no human safety driver, coined ‘robotaxis’, in London next spring. The news comes after the UK government’s introduction of the world-leading AV Act, which became law as of May 2024, opening the door to autonomous vehicles operating on public roads as early as 2026. According to The Department for Transport, the AV industry could create up to 38,000 jobs and add £42bn to the UK economy by 2035.

From the perspective of civil applications, the development of AVs has been long anticipated after years of speculation. Whilst traction has been relatively slow in the UK, AVs are being used extensively in US cities to transport passengers in urban areas by leading firms, including Waymo and Cruise, with further expansion of services planned for this year. As such, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the rollout of robotaxis state-side.

Recognising the sector’s growth potential, the UK government, led by the Department for Transport (DfT), established the UK Connected & Automated Mobility (UK CAM) Testbed in 2017. This consortium of CAM innovation and test facilities is geographically centred on the Birmingham to London corridor.

According to Will Ashford-Brown, Director of Strategic Insights at Heligan Group, despite their popularity, widespread adoption of AVs remains relatively limited. For civil applications to scale, the industry must first address and overcome public concerns primarily centred around safety.

“We see challenges in enhancing the civil populace’s appetite to adopt such technology. The government, through UK CAM, and private businesses operating in the AV sector, will need to work together to address public concerns around safety, congestion and job displacement before we see large-scale uptake of autonomous vehicles.

“In addition, the interconnected nature of AVs introduces cybersecurity challenges, creating potential opportunities for cyber criminals. To mitigate these risks, the AVs of the future must be ‘secure by design,’ necessitating close cross-collaboration between the AV industry and cybersecurity sector.”

Opportunities for the industry lie in the UK’s leadership in key enabling technologies such as AI and space technology. Advancements in AI, particularly in hazard perception and deep learning, will improve the reliability of AVs in complex environments, such as built-up urban areas.

“AVs currently depend on reliable high-bandwidth, low-latency 5G networks, typically concentrated in urban areas, to navigate and communicate with other vehicles, which enhances safety, minimising the risk of collision. Therefore, the democratisation of space-based communication technology, and integration with AVs, will be critical in facilitating the deployment of vehicles in more remote, less connected regions.”

The next generation of sensors for AVs, such as high-resolution LiDAR, will enable more accurate motion prediction, which will be crucial for high-speed, long-range hazard perception and collision avoidance.

“As key enabling technologies in AI, sensors, and communication links have matured, we have seen the emergence of highly sophisticated, autonomous systems with real-world civilian applications and the potential to revolutionise the way we live. Recognising this promise, the UK has invested heavily and sits at the forefront of autonomous vehicle development, which must be sustained in order for us to keep pace with our American counterparts and earn a seat at the regulatory development table.

“Whilst currently the US leads the way, the UK is well-placed to work with international partners to shape the AV landscape, leveraging advancements in AI and space technology. With continued investment, cross-collaboration and a focus on safety and building public trust, the UK has the opportunity to not only accelerate the civilian application of AVs but also to influence international standards centred around safety, licensing and liability,” concluded Ashford-Brown.