Cyber security, virtual reality and machine learning are at the centre of a series of ground-breaking research projects being delivered over the coming year by experts from the Transport Research Laboratory, a centre for innovation in transport and mobility.

TRL has identified some critical topics as key areas that will inform and evolve the changing global transport landscape, with further projects developing the research around areas such as truck platooning, data science, mental health, smart infrastructure, head injuries and driving simulation.

Funding for the projects is one aspect of the annual investment made by TRL in innovative research and development and is supported by parent company, the Transport Research Foundation, a non-profit distributing organisation.

"TRL has released its Quarterly Research Report that offers a glimpse into its secretive research in delivering the future of transport."

The programme of ten innovative projects was devised by the TRL Academy in response to the challenges facing future transport.

TRL Academy director Nick Reed said: “Choosing the projects that will go on to shape policy, design and technological development is always a challenge but we apply key criteria around ensuring the research is relevant, disruptive and deliverable."

TRL has released its Quarterly Research Report that offers a glimpse into its secretive research in delivering the future of transport.

The report also details the practical outcomes and next steps from six key projects from the previous 12 months, including a smart asset management technology review, data applying science to develop a route risk tool and the environmental impact of fuel cell electric vehicles.

Other projects include developing a cellular automata model for modelling bicycle traffic, investigation fast response NO2 sensor testing equipment and 3D capture and visualisation.