Thursday 6 August 2020
New software that uses an algorithm to imitate how ants optimise their routes could halve the emissions generated by vehicle fleets.
Scientists from Aston University in Birmingham have developed the new technology, which uses a method called ‘route optimisation’ to intelligently direct fleets of vehicles from the same company around a city, slashing emissions in half while saving time and fuel.
The computer algorithm, which mimics the way colonies of ants solve problems and search for food, schedules tasks for vehicles in a fleet and helps them navigate.
The software, which can be installed on a laptop, allows business owners to use the system to manage their own journeys based on their daily needs.
In a trial with Birmingham fleet operators, scientists were able to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 4.25 kilograms per van every day and reduce emissions such as nitrous oxide by 98 grams per van per day.
Darren Chitty, Lead Researcher at Aston University, commented: “We feel that while Clean Air Zones will improve air quality for some residents, there could be better ways to tackle the health and environmental problems caused by emissions.
"Instead of taxing commercial vehicles to enter these zones, our research can act as an incentive to companies as they will not only reduce emissions but also save money."