VDL Automated Vehicles, a collaborative venture between VDL Steelweld of Breda and VDL Container Systems of Hapert, both part of the larger VDL Group, recently delivered the first “driverless truck” to logistics company Katoen Natie in Singapore.
Based on a Terberg tractor, the driverless truck is to be used at Katoen Natie’s operation in Singapore, where it will transport semi-trailers for ExxonMobil.
“The software and equipment that make automatic driving possible were prepared at VDL in the Netherlands. The truck was then assembled at the VDL unit in Singapore. The first test drives have been successful,” stated VDL.
Work will continue until spring 2018 on expanding the number of functions the vehicle can perform, including increasing the number of loading and unloading locations.
In a first phase, the trucks will drive on the premises of ExxonMobil, moving trailers between packaging and storage facilities by following some 2,800 transponders embedded in the ground. As Katoen Natie takes delivery of 11 more vehicles, it is intended to expand the number of routes to include roads on Jurong Island, where GPS will be used for navigation. “Eventually the trucks will operate in normal traffic in Singapore,” added VDL.
According to the Singapore Straits Times, Singapore Management University recommended VDL for the project, 70% of the cost of which is being met by the Singapore Government.
The project is a significant one for VDL. “By setting up an innovation centre in Singapore, VDL is demonstrating its ambition”, said Koen Cardon, CEO of Katoen Natie Singapore.
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This complete item is approximately 300 words in length, and appeared in the October 2017 issue of WorldCargo News, on page 1. To access this issue download the PDF here.
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