The commercial vehicle developer Iveco, together with AI software developer Plus, logistics service provider DSV, and dm-drogerie markt, has completed a multi-month pilot project to test semi-autonomous trucks.
“The dm-drogerie markt has been working with DSV for decades on sustainable and innovative supply chains. Therefore, we were very happy to support this pilot project. We look forward to continuing to work together on pioneering technologies like this one in the future," said Ursula Paepcke, Head of TKM in the Logistics Division at dm-drogerie markt.
The pilot project confirmed the expected results and assumptions, particularly regarding improved safety and reliability. The autonomous driving system consistently demonstrated safe driving behavior, particularly in lane keeping, lane changing, adaptive driving, and handling predictable traffic situations.
At the center was the real-world use of an Iveco S-Way tractor unit with a highly automated driver assistance system on public roads in Germany. The test drives took place under practical conditions on the route between two warehouse locations in Krefeld and Hennef.
“The focus is on depot-to-depot logistics, as the technology is excellent for recurring processes where sufficient data is available,”
says Peter Matthiesen, Senior Director, Group Innovation, Mobility & Truck Technology at DSV.
Lidar, Radar, and Cameras as well as AI-based Software from Plus
The system, developed by Iveco and the Silicon Valley-based company Plus, utilizes sensors such as lidar, radar, and cameras, as well as AI-based software to assist the driver. The technology consistently showed stable driving behavior in the test – for example, in lane keeping, lane changing, and adaptive driving. According to project data, energy consumption was reduced by about ten percent, contributing to a reduction in emissions.
“We are delighted to celebrate the completion of the pilot project with our innovative partners DSV, dm, and Iveco, which has led to increased safety and efficiency through our autonomous driving technology. It's even more fitting to do this in Germany, a country that has recognized the benefits of autonomous vehicles. We look forward to bringing serially manufactured self-driving trucks with Plus's revolutionary self-driving technology to market, initially in the USA and then in Europe,” said Shawn Kerrigan, COO and co-founder of Plus.
The involved partners see semi-autonomous solutions as an important building
block for safe, efficient, and sustainable logistics. Especially in depot-to-depot logistics with predictable processes, there are great potentials according to the project results. Automated systems can increase road safety, reduce fatigue, and simultaneously improve driver productivity.
Humans Remain (for Now) in the Cabin
The focus is not on completely replacing human drivers, but on supporting them in their daily work. For the time being, a person remains on board to monitor the system and intervene in unforeseen situations. In the future, however, drivers could take on additional tasks – for example, in control centers or in the preparation and follow-up of vehicles.
The project is understood as preparation for the next stage of autonomous mobility. After successfully completing the testing phase, the path is to be paved for pilot applications with fully autonomous trucks. The market launch of serially manufactured autonomous commercial vehicles is initially expected in the USA, and in Europe according to Iveco, presumably from 2027 onwards.
“This successful demonstration is another important step on our way to commercializing highly automated driving technologies in the logistics industry. Through this collaborative pilot project,
we were able to validate the capabilities of our advanced driver assistance system in real-world operations and confirm improvements in safety, fuel efficiency, and overall driving performance,” said Marco Liccardo, Chief Technology & Digital Officer, Iveco Group.
Development of Autonomous Trucks and Buses on a Broad Front
Other manufacturers are also advancing the development of autonomous commercial vehicles. MAN Truck & Bus, for example, has been working for years on driverless transport solutions for logistics use. In cooperation with partners such as Deutsche Bahn, Hamburger Hafen and Logistik AG, and research institutions, various projects have been realized – including an autonomous truck in container handling and the “ANITA” project for the integration of self-driving vehicles in combined transport.
Currently, MAN is involved in the ATLAS-L4 project together with industry, science, and authorities, in order to test autonomous driving on highways between logistics hubs. The basis for this is also a strategic development partnership with Plus, which also includes other brands of the Traton Group. The aim of these cooperations is to avoid fatigue-related accidents, mitigate the driver shortage, and further increase efficiency in freight
