Vera, an electric, connected, and autonomous truck from Volvo Trucks, will be used as a component of a comprehensive plan to move cargo from a logistics hub to a port terminal in Gothenburg, Sweden. The assignment is the outcome of a recent partnership between DFDS, a ferry and logistics firm, and Volvo Trucks.
In order to provide a linked system for a continuous flow of commodities from a DFDS logistics center to an APM Terminals port facility in Gothenburg for distribution worldwide, the cooperation aims to use Vera in a practical application.
2018 saw the introduction of Volvo Trucks’ first electrified, connected, and autonomous solution, intended for recurring tasks in factories, ports, and logistics hubs. Vera is most suited for short distances and can move heavy loads precisely.
Volvo Trucks Vice President Autonomous Solutions Mikael Karlsson states, “Now we have the opportunity to implement Vera in an ideal setting and further develop her potential for other similar operations.”
The idea is to put in place a networked system that consists of many Vera cars under control tower supervision. The goal is to provide a smooth, continuous flow that can adapt to demands for increased sustainability, flexibility, and efficiency. In order to deploy Vera in a genuine transport assignment on pre-defined public roadways in an industrial location, the partnership with DFDS is a necessary first step.
“We aim to lead the way in autonomous, networked mobility. According to Torben Carlsen, CEO of DFDS, “This partnership will assist us in creating an effective, adaptable, and long-term solution for receiving autonomous vehicles arriving at our gates, benefiting our customers, the environment, and our business.”
Before the autonomous transport system can be completely implemented, it will require more technological advancements, improvements in operations management, and infrastructural modifications. In addition, the safety measures that society demands for a secure transition to autonomous vehicles will be implemented.
Vera may be utilized in related applications as an addition to the current transportation options when Volvo Trucks obtains more expertise.
“In the future of logistics, autonomous vehicles with low noise levels and zero exhaust emissions will be beneficial to both businesses and society. We wish to go further in this area and regard our partnership as a significant first step. We don’t have a speed limit; Vera may. Mikael Karlsson continues, “We want to deploy the solution within the next few years and have already begun testing.
Details
- The task is to transfer containers, based on capacity requirements, from the Gothenburg DFDS logistics center to an APM terminal.
- An operator in a control tower oversees the autonomous system and is also in charge of transportation.
- Repetitive flows with a maximum speed of 40 km/h are suitable for the solution.
- The deployment of the entire transportation system includes infrastructure adjustments, such as automated terminal gates.
- Although DFDS and Volvo Trucks are the primary partners, a number of other players are participating in carrying out Vera’s maiden task.
