Volvo Autonomous Solutions (V.A.S.) and DHL Supply Chain have launched autonomous freight delivery operations in Texas. The operations are enabled by the purpose-built, production-ready Volvo VNL Autonomous, which is powered by the Aurora Driver.
A safety driver will be present to monitor performance and ensure seamless integration into existing logistic networks. Freight will initially be hauled on two lanes, Dallas to Houston and Fort Worth to El Paso.
“Early adopters play a pivotal role in accelerating the deployment and acceptance of autonomous technology, enabling us to validate both safety and operational performance,” said Sasko Cuklev, head of On-Road Solutions at Volvo Autonomous Solutions. “Our collaboration with DHL Supply Chain exemplifies the potential of autonomy as a complementary mode of transport that increases freight capacity and optimizes supply chain efficiencies.”
Jim Monkmeyer, president of Transportation for DHL Supply Chain North America, said, “Autonomy is a key enabler in advancing the digital transformation across the logistics sector by providing reliable long-haul capacity. Our long-standing partnership with Volvo has been instrumental in aligning their autonomous transport solutions with our 24/7 operational demands. Volvo’s legacy of safety and relentless pursuit of innovation make them an ideal partner in our journey to elevate trucking efficiency and deliver greater value to our customers.”
According to a statement from the two companies, the Volvo VNL Autonomous is designed from the ground up with built-in redundancy for critical systems. In autonomous trucks, redundancy replaces the backup provided by a human driver with systems that can automatically take control in the rare case of primary systems encountering an issue, ensuring safe operations.
The Aurora Driver is equipped with powerful sensors, including high-resolution cameras, imaging radar, and proprietary long-range lidar that allow for safe autonomous operations at highway speeds, the statement said.
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