Volvo Trucks and DFDS, a ferry and logistics company, are collaborating to use Volvo Trucks' electric, connected and autonomous vehicle Vera as part of an integrated platform to transport goods from a logistics center to a port terminal in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The goal of the collaboration is to utilize Vera in a real application as part of a connected system for a continuous flow of goods from a DFDS’ logistics center to an APM Terminals port facility in Gothenburg, for distribution across the world.

“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.

Designed for repetitive assignments in logistics centers, factories and ports, Vera is Volvo Trucks' first electric, connected and autonomous platform. The vehicle is ideal for short distances, transporting large volumes of goods with high precision.

For Volvo Trucks, the company wants to implement a connected system that is made up of several Vera vehicles monitored by a control tower, in an effort to enable a “seamless and constant flow responsive to demands on greater efficiency, flexibility and sustainability.”

Volvo Trucks says that its collaboration with DFDS “is a first step towards implementing Vera in a real transport assignment on pre-defined public roads in an industrial area.”

“We want to be at the forefront of connected, autonomous transportation,” says Torben Carlsen, CEO of DFDS.

“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.”

Before becoming fully operational, the autonomous transport system will undergo further development specific to the technology, operations management and infrastructure adaptations. Additionally, necessary safety precautions will be taken to meet societal requirements for a safe path towards autonomous transports.

“Autonomous transports 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,” Karlsson says.

“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.”

Volvo Trucks says that as it gains more experience, Vera could potentially be used in similar applications as a complement to today’s transport options.