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Plus, a leader in autonomous trucking technology, recently completed a successful test of its semi-autonomous trucks in Germany alongside partners DSV, dm-drogerie markt, and IVECO. The multi-month project, which culminated in a real-world road test, showcased the potential of AI-driven trucking solutions to enhance safety, efficiency, and fuel economy. Conducted in Krefeld, Germany, the test marked the country’s first public road trial of this technology, delivering goods between warehouses in Krefeld and Hennef.
Key Highlights:
- First German Road Test: The IVECO truck, equipped with Plus’s semi-autonomous system, completed its debut on public roads.
- Enhanced Safety: The technology demonstrated reliable lane keeping, lane changing, and adaptive driving in real-world conditions.
- Fuel Efficiency: The system reduced fuel consumption by approximately 10%, lowering emissions.
- Driver Support: The solution aims to address Europe’s driver shortage by improving working conditions and reducing fatigue.
- Future Potential: The project sets the stage for fully autonomous trucks, with commercial availability expected in the U.S. by 2027 and later in Europe.
The IVECO S-Way truck, integrated with Plus’s AI-based driver assistance system, used advanced sensors like lidar, radar, and cameras to provide a 360-degree view, enabling safer and more comfortable driving. The system supports highway maneuvers such as lane centering and traffic jam assistance while the driver monitors operations. According to Shawn Kerrigan, Plus’s COO, the test’s success highlights the transformative potential of autonomous technology, particularly in Germany, a hub for such innovations.
DSV’s Peter Matthiesen emphasized the technology’s suitability for depot-to-depot operations, while dm-drogerie markt’s Ursula Paepcke underscored its role in sustainable logistics. The project also addressed Europe’s growing driver shortage—projected to reach 700,000 by 2028—by enhancing the driver’s role, reducing fatigue, and attracting a more diverse workforce. Marco Liccardo of IVECO Group noted that automation will not replace drivers but will elevate their responsibilities, creating safer and more productive environments.
Looking ahead, the partners aim to advance toward fully autonomous trucks, with safety drivers remaining in cabs until new regulatory ecosystems are established. The technology is expected to create new job opportunities, such as roles in control towers and pre-arrival checks, ensuring human expertise remains integral. This successful pilot positions Plus and its partners as pioneers in shaping the future of logistics, balancing innovation, sustainability, and driver well-being.
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