DB Schenker is testing highly automated yard logistics system
DB Schenker is an investor in the start-up Fernride and uses its technology to deploy a teleoperated truck in a warehouse in the Netherlands.
The logistics service provider DB Schenker is investing in the start-up Fernride, a platform for autonomous logistics, and is immediately launching a pilot project for highly automated and electric yard logistics in Tilburg, the Netherlands. A teleoperated truck will be integrated into the day-to-day operations of a warehouse, Fernride said in a Nov. 15 press release. Fernride's teleoperation-first approach supports the integration of autonomous technologies into DB Schenker's logistics.
Schenker Ventures invests
According to Fernride, the step-by-step autonomy approach combines the advantages of human skills and automation in a concept that offers immediately tangible added value. Since the system is already being used by well-known customers, Fernride has a wide range of data sets that relate to operations in logistics hubs and edge cases. The solution via teleoperation can be developed customer-oriented and individually, while incrementally adding autonomous functions to improve the economics of each application area.
“ Fernride's competitive advantage in the autonomous driving market lies in its current availability. However, it is more than just a bridging technology. The excellent performance of teleoperation enables the application of autonomous technologies in logistics by solving technological, legal and security challenges, ” said Paulina Banszerus, Head of Venture Capital at Schenker Ventures.
In addition to capital, Schenker Ventures also gives the new portfolio company access to the resources of the parent company.
Teleoperated truck in operation in Tilburg
The pilot project is being launched to assess the operational security of the technology and jointly validate future business opportunities, the press release states. A remote-controlled truck is integrated into the day-to-day operations of one of the most modern distribution centers in Europe. The remote control of the truck can increase the flexibility and safety of the driver's workplace.
“DB Schenker is an industry leader in driving innovation, sustainability and automation. We are not only looking forward to the pilot project, but also to further joint business opportunities in the future. This partnership will enable us to rapidly scale autonomous, electric truck transport together," said Hendrik Kramer, CEO of Fernride.
“The partnership with Fernride will help us to understand the general requirements to adapt our distribution centers to a high level of automation. The young company is changing the way we operate our hubs today by redefining the role of drivers and empowering them instead of hindering them. We look forward to working with the great team at Fernride. It's an excellent opportunity to learn from each other," said Sebastian Schuhmann, Head of Global Innovation Portfolio at DB Schenker.
Remote controlled on the go
Fernride equips electric trucks with various sensors and cameras. By combining the human capabilities of truck drivers with mature and market-ready autonomous technologies, teleoperation - remote control of automated or manual vehicles over the cellular network - represents the first step towards full autonomy. It enables human intervention and assistance of the vehicle remotely. This means truck drivers can be at their desks hundreds of miles away and operate the trucks remotely. A teleoperator sends specific commands to the vehicle in real time from a workstation using the accelerator pedal, brake, steering wheel and joystick and receives all important data from the vehicle at the same speed - just like like today's drivers do in a truck cab. Fernride thus enables, among other things, the integration of automated trailer shunting into ongoing operations.
