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After three years of intensive research and development, the ATLAS-L4 project has successfully demonstrated the feasibility of autonomous trucks on public roads. This groundbreaking achievement marks a significant step toward the future of logistics, where driverless trucks could revolutionize transportation between logistics centers.
Key Highlights
- Successful completion of the ATLAS-L4 project, proving the technical feasibility of autonomous trucks.
- First application of Germany’s autonomous driving law for commercial vehicles in hub-to-hub traffic.
- Collaboration of 12 partners from industry, science, and infrastructure, with a budget of 59.1 million euros.
- Development of redundant safety systems, including braking, steering, and vehicle electrical systems.
- Potential benefits include increased efficiency, reduced traffic jams and accidents, and addressing the driver shortage.
The ATLAS-L4 project, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, brought together a consortium of 12 partners, including MAN Truck & Bus, Knorr-Bremse, and Bosch. Over three years, approximately 150 engineers worked on developing a Level 4 autonomous truck capable of driving without human intervention on defined routes, specifically between logistics centers.
A major milestone was the first-time application of Germany’s 2021 autonomous driving law, which permits such vehicles under technical supervision. This legal framework enabled real-world tests on public highways, with a safety driver always present. The project prioritized safety through a redundant system architecture, including backup systems for braking, steering, and the vehicle’s electrical network, now ready for further development toward series production.
Dr. Frederik Zohm, Executive Board Member for Research and Development at MAN Truck & Bus, highlighted the teamwork: “Innovations such as autonomous driving require such collaborations to effectively advance future technology in Germany and Europe.”
The project’s success offers a blueprint for future autonomous trucking, though challenges remain before widespread deployment. Benefits include improved efficiency, fewer traffic jams and accidents, and addressing Germany’s shortage of 100,000 truck drivers. On May 7 and 8, 2025, results were showcased to 200 guests, featuring highway demonstrations and a 1,000-square-meter exhibition. The ATLAS-L4 project paves the way for Logistics 4.0.
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