Press release

Volvo Trucks presents Vera's first assignment - Autonomous transportation between a logistics centre and the port

2019-06-13

Vera, Volvo Trucks’ electric, connected and autonomous vehicle, will form part of an integrated solution to transport goods from a logistics centre to a port terminal in Gothenburg, Sweden. The assignment is a result of a new collaboration between Volvo Trucks and DFDS, the Danish-based ferry and logistics company.

Vera in the port with a container — Volvo Trucks’ autonomous and electric vehicle Vera is getting ready for a first assignment: the transportation of goods in a connected and repetitive flow from a DFDS’ logistics centre to a port terminal. The new collaboration is a first step towards implementing Vera in a real transport operation and develop her potential for other similar assignments.

The purpose of the collaboration is to implement Vera in a real application, enabling a connected system for a continuous flow of goods, from a DFDS’ logistics centre to a port terminal, for distribution across the world.

In 2018, Volvo Trucks presented its first electric, connected and autonomous solution, designed for repetitive assignments in logistics centres, factories and ports. Vera is suited for short distances, transporting large volumes of goods with high precision.

“Now we have the opportunity to implement Vera in an ideal setting and further develop her potential for other similar operations,” says 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 room. The purpose is to enable a seamless and constant flow responsive to demands on greater efficiency, flexibility and sustainability. The collaboration with DFDS is a first step towards implementing Vera in a real transport assignment on pre-defined public roads in an industrial area.

Torben Carlsen, CEO of DFDS says, "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 our business.”

The autonomous transport solution will be further developed in terms of technology, operations management and infrastructure adaptations, before it can be fully operational. Moreover, necessary safety precautions will be taken to meet societal requirements for a safe path towards autonomous transports.

As Volvo Trucks gains more experience, Vera has the potential to be used in similar applications as a complement to today’s transport solutions.

“Autonomous transport, with low noise levels and zero exhaust emissions have 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. Vera may have a speed limit, but we don’t. Testing has already started and we intend to implement the solution within the coming years,” explains Mikael Karlsson.

Facts:

The assignment is to move containers from the DFDS logistics centre in Gothenburg to a port terminal according to needed capacity.
The autonomous system is monitored by an operator in a control tower who is also responsible for the transport.
The solution is suited for repetitive flows with a maximum speed of 40 km/h.
Infrastructure adaptations are part of the scope in the implementation of the total transport system, including automated gates at the terminals.
Volvo Trucks and DFDS are main partners but several actors are involved in implementing Vera’s first assignment.
DFDS is headquartered in Copenhagen and provides ferry and transport services in Europe and Turkey, generating annual revenues of around DKK 17bn (£2.15bn).
DFDS, with 8,000 employees located on ships and in offices across 20 countries, is listed on NASDAQ Copenhagen.
The initiative has support from the Swedish Innovation Agency Vinnova, the Swedish Transport Administration and the Swedish Energy Agency through the Strategic vehicle research and innovation programme FFI.

For further information, please contact:

Martin Tomlinson
Head of Media, Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland
Tel: +44 7775 938063
Email: martin.tomlinson@volvo.com

Volvo Trucks provides complete transport solutions for professional and demanding customers, offering a full range of medium to heavy duty trucks. Customer support is secured via a global network of dealers with 2,100 service points in more than 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 14 countries across the globe. In 2019 approximately 131,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The Group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. Volvo Trucks´ work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care.