Scania is designing the world’s first full-scale autonomous truck platooning operations, based on its own advanced technology. The platoon will make use of public roads while transporting containers between port terminals in Singapore.
The aim is to organise convoys of four trucks – with the following three trucks behind the lead truck autonomously driven, as well as to fully automate the processes for precise docking and undocking of cargo.
“Autonomous vehicles and platooning are cornerstones of future sustainable transport systems,” says Claes Erixon, Head of Research and Development at Scania. “This is a great opportunity to demonstrate our leadership and technology in this new exciting area. We are pioneering in this field, which has the potential not only to save lives, but also to significantly decrease the environmental impact of transport.”The multi-year project has been organised by the Ministry of Transport and the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA Corporation), with Toyota also participating in the project.
“Singapore has launched several autonomous vehicle initiatives and together we will now demonstrate how we can substantially enhance productivity through platooning,” says Mark Cameron, Country Manager, Scania Singapore.
Trials will take place in two phases. The first phase will focus on refining the platooning technology to suit local conditions and will be conducted by Scania and Toyota at their respective research centres in Sweden and Japan. The second phase will consist of local trials and development of the technology in Singapore.
