Volvo Autonomous Solutions, together with commercial partners, is now taking the next step towards autonomous transport solutions within the port and logistics center segment.

Through a commercial pilot program, Volvo is collecting data with a sensor-equipped truck in the port area of Gothenburg, Sweden. The data collection is the company’s first phase towards creating an automated and connected system for a continuous flow of goods.

The truck, operated by a human driver, is being driven on both confined port areas and public roads and is collecting data to develop the artificial intelligence to be able to design a safe autonomous solution.

The project is a collaboration between Volvo, the shipping and logistics company DFDS, port operators APM Terminals, the Port of Gothenburg and property company Platzer Fastigheter. The development work is done together with AI and AV computing platforms partner Nvidia.

“It is full speed ahead in the development of on-road as well as off-road transportation solutions,” says Nils Jaeger, President of Volvo Autonomous Solutions, in a press release. “Autonomous transport has an important role to play in the future of logistics and will benefit both business and society in terms of productivity, safety and sustainability.”

The data collection vehicle will be used to learn about complex everyday traffic situations, using sensors logging the surroundings of the vehicles as well as the driver’s interaction with the vehicle. The truck is equipped with 21 sensors in the shape of radars, lidars and cameras, making it possible for the system to detect small things far away on the road surface, as well as objects that are close to the vehicle.

“Volvo is already used to working in confined areas when it comes to operating autonomous vehicles, but the complexity of public roads is something entirely different,” says Luca Delgrossi, VP Vehicle Automation, Volvo Autonomous Solutions.

The project is co-financed by the Connecting Europe Facility of the European Union, and Swedish innovation financier Vinnova.