Dubai South signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Evocargo for the launch of the UAE’s first autonomous vehicle trials for cargo at the master development’s Logistics District.
The move is part of the emirate’s efforts to be the world’s smart mobility hub, and contribute to the Dubai Self Driving Transport Strategy which aims to reduce transportation costs by 44 percent of AED900 million.
“The trials will see EVO.1, Evocargo’s unmanned electric logistics vehicle, navigate Dubai South’s Logistics District from December until February 2023,” a statement by the Dubai Media Office (DMO) said.
During the trial period, a remote operator will be stationed onsite in the Control Centre to manage the platform. The centre, which is located in Dubai South’s Logistics District, includes a software suite to monitor the EVO.1’s operation, check the serviceability of the sensors, and identify any errors.
Dubai is a global logistics hub with an unrivalled freight capacity and connectivity. Perfecting electric and driverless truck technology for the region will help it further reduce its carbon footprint and reinforce the city’s green credentials.
“We are delighted to enter into a strategic agreement with Evocargo to launch the UAE’s first autonomous trials, setting new global benchmarks and consolidating the leadership status of the country’s logistics sector,” Dubai South logistics district chief executive officer Mohsen Ahmed said
“Besides improving operational efficiency, our partnership will help scale supply chain operations and achieve sustainability. At the Logistics District, we are mandated to support the industry and accelerate the UAE’s rapidly advancing logistics sector,”
Sharing the same views, Evocargo’s founding chief executive officer Andrey Bolshakov said: “This is Evocargo’s first venture into autonomous vehicles in such a global multimodal logistics platform. This trial is a significant milestone for the company as it unlocks opportunities to expand our products in the strategic Middle Eastern and Asian markets.”
The driverless vehicle has a lifting capacity of 2 tonnes, and can also additionally accommodate up to six EUR-pallets, which moves at 25 kilometre per hour for up to 200 kilometre. It will take 40 minutes to six hours recharge a vehicle for a full day’s operation, depending on the outlet.
Additionally, the security system of the EVO.1 platform has four tiers, the statement said.
“The computer vision of the space around the vehicle, an automatic diagnostic system, a remote-stop system, and a standby pneumatic braking system. Effective fleet management of EVO.1’s automatic pilot systems increases the efficiency of freight transportation while significantly reducing truck downtime. Robotisation and using electricity and hydrogen fuel cells instead of conventional fuel offer cost efficiencies.”
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