Dubai Launches First Driverless Trucks Trials

Dubai South on Wednesday said it will launch the UAE’s first autonomous vehicle trials for cargo at the master development’s Logistics District from December until February 2023

The trials will see EVO.1, Evocargo’s unmanned electric logistics vehicle, navigate Dubai South’s Logistics District.

The lifting capacity of the driverless platform is 2 tonnes, and it can accommodate up to six EUR-pallets moving at 25 km/h for up to 200km. Charging a vehicle for a full day’s operation takes 40 minutes to six hours, depending on the outlet.

The security system of the EVO.1 platform has four tiers: the computer vision of the space around the vehicle, an automatic diagnostic system, a remote-stop system, and a standby pneumatic braking system.

During the trial period, a remote operator will be stationed onsite in the Control Centre to manage the platform. 

Dubai South is the emirate’s largest single-urban master development focusing on aviation, logistics and real estate. Perfecting electric and driverless truck technology for the region will help it further reduce its carbon footprint and reinforce the city’s green credentials.

Evocargo has 37 protected inventions and technologies. Evocargo’s patents cover algorithms for visual positioning, automatic mapping, the calibration and integration of sensors and cameras, methods for selecting safety speeds, and the parameters for dynamic models.