Volvo Trucks’ electric, connected and autonomous truck Vera will form part of an integrated solution to transport goods from a logistics center to a port terminal in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The assignment is the result of a new collaboration between Volvo Trucks and ferry and logistics company, DFDS and is a first step toward implementing Vera in a real transportation operation and advancing the vehicle’s potential for similar assignments.
“Now we have the opportunity to implement Vera in an ideal setting and further develop her potential for similar operations,” said Mikael Karlsson, vice president autonomous solutions at Volvo Trucks.
The aim is to implement a connected system consisting of several Vera vehicles monitored by a control tower, with the purpose of enabling a seamless and constant flow.
“We want to be at the forefront of connected, autonomous transportation. This collaboration will help us develop an efficient, flexible and sustainable long-term solution for receiving autonomous vehicles arriving at our gates – benefitting our customers, the environment and the business,” commented Torben Carlsen, CEO of DFDS.
Through the partnership, the two companies will be able to develop AV technology, streamline their operations management and build-up their autonomous vehicle infrastructure.
Added Karlsson, “Autonomous transportation has an important role to play in the future of logistics, and will benefit both business and society. We see this collaboration as an important start and want to drive progress in this area. Testing has already started and we intend to implement the solution in the coming years.”
