Autonomous truck technology is gaining more and more space in operations around the world, and is becoming particularly popular in confined operations, such as inside freight terminals, ports and mining areas.
Last week, the Port of Felixstowe, in the UK, announced the start of using autonomous trucks for container transfers in the port area.
In addition to being autonomous, the trucks are also electrically powered, ensuring a significant reduction in pollutant emissions. Vehicles are produced by Westwell.
These new autonomous trucks represent an important technological advance for the Port of Felixstowe. The tools that support port operations have constantly evolved and we already have a range of very sophisticated systems and equipment, but this is the first time we have fully driverless vehicles,” said Clemens Cheng, CEO of Port of Felixstowe.
These trucks will only be able to operate at predetermined locations, with a map loaded into their systems. Through this map, the technology orients the vehicle, and a series of sensors maps the entire area around the vehicle to avoid accidents.
strange look
Westwell Q-Truck has a unique look and is completely different from what we are used to. Instead of a cabin, a series of electronic components and sensors that can see the world at 360 degrees.
With the latest GPS system, the truck deviates no more than 2 cm from the road, ensuring high accuracy.
The trucks are produced in China by Shanghai Westwell Information and Technology Company, which is developing a range of autonomous vehicles.
