Program paves the way for a future pilot test with fully autonomous trucks.
IVECO
has successfully completed testing of its breakthrough technology with Plus, an AI-based autonomous truck driving software company, DSV and dm. A multi-month project to test semi-autonomous trucks, jointly developed by IVECO and Plus, was concluded with a real-world test. The project results demonstrated the key benefits of autonomous truck driving technology - improved safety, efficiency and fuel consumption.
The partners recently completed testing of an IVECO heavy-duty truck with Plus' integrated semi-autonomous driver assistance solution in Krefeld, Germany. It was the first road test of this technology in Germany. After several months of extensive testing and validation of the technology as well as driver training, the semi-autonomous solution was ready for testing on public roads. The goods were delivered under real conditions on the route between two warehouses in Krefeld and Hennef.
This successful demonstration marks another important step on our way to commercializing highly automated driving technologies in the logistics industry. Through this joint 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. These results reinforce our belief that automation will not replace the driver, but will enhance their role by reducing fatigue, supporting complex maneuvers and creating a safer, more productive working environment. At the Iveco Group, we believe that the future of logistics lies in intelligent, sustainable and human-centered innovation. Together with our trusted partners DSV, dm and Plus, we continue to develop intelligent transportation solutions that meet the growing demands for efficiency, sustainability and driver wellbeing in Europe and beyond," explains Marco Liccardo, Chief Technology & Digital Officer, and Shawn Kerrigan, COO and co-founder of Plus , said: "We are proud to join our innovative partners DSV, dm and IVECO in celebrating the completion of the pilot project and the safety and efficiency results enabled by our autonomous driving technology. It is even more fitting to do this in Germany, a country that has already recognized the benefits of autonomous vehicles. We look forward to bringing mass-produced self-driving trucks with Plus' groundbreaking technology to market, first in the US and then in Europe. "
The focus is on depot-to-depot operations, as the technology is perfect for recurring processes where sufficient data is available," says Peter Matthiesen, Senior Director, Group Innovation, Mobility & Truck Technology at DSV .
dm-drogerie markt has been working together with DSV on sustainable and innovative supply chains for decades. We were therefore very happy to support this pilot project. "We are also looking forward to working together on future-oriented technologies like this in the future," adds Ursula Paepcke, Head of TKM in the logistics division of the drugstore provider dm-drogerie markt , explaining the reasons for participating in the project.
"The pilot project confirmed the expected results and assumptions, particularly with regard to improved safety and reliability. The autonomous driving system demonstrated consistently safe driving behavior, especially when keeping in lane, changing lanes, adaptive driving and dealing with predictable traffic situations.
" " For dm as a project participant, it is incredibly valuable to understand and see through practical experience how the highly automated trucks jointly developed by IVECO and Plus can improve safety, efficiency and fuel consumption. We look forward to the commercial availability of these highly innovative vehicles. " We want to attract drivers to this challenging position as there is a driver shortage of almost 200,000 people in Europe, which is expected to rise to 700,000 by 2028. Autonomous driving technology will significantly improve the working environment, reduce mental and physical fatigue, increase safety and enable a much more diverse driver pool. " adds Matthiesen .
The semi-autonomous solution was jointly developed by IVECO and Plus, the Silicon Valley-based self-driving software company. Equipped with Plus' AI-based, highly automated driving solution as well as advanced sensors such as lidar, radar and cameras, this IVECO S-Way truck provides the driver with 360-degree all-round visibility around the vehicle as well as new ways to monitor traffic and the road, increasing safety and comfort. Plus autonomous driving technology can safely and automatically perform normal highway driving maneuvers, including lane centering, driver-initiated or system-suggested lane changes, traffic jam assist and bumping, with the driver monitoring the system. It can also reduce fuel consumption by around 10 percent, thereby reducing emissions.
Delivery of the future: focus on autonomous driving
By testing the technology, the project partners are paving the way for the future commissioning of semi-autonomous trucks and the testing of fully autonomous driving solutions for logistics. Factory-built self-driving trucks are expected to be commercially available in the US by 2027 and later in Europe.
Safety drivers will remain in the driver's cab for the foreseeable future until a new ecosystem is developed that regulates charging or refueling, for example. Matthiesen sees great potential in the technology and gives a further outlook: " The new technology will not destroy jobs - on the contrary, it will create new opportunities and jobs. Drivers will be trained to use their specialist knowledge in other areas. This is conceivable, for example, in control towers that closely monitor and support daily operations. New jobs will also be created to carry out pre- and post-arrival checks or perform many other tasks that still require human intervention. "
