Dubai South has 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 trials will see EVO.1, Evocargo’s unmanned electric logistics vehicle, navigate Dubai South’s Logistics District from December 2022 until February 2023.
A key objective of the trials is to enable Evocargo to modify and redesign EVO.1 specifically for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. During the trial period, a remote operator will be stationed onsite in the Control Centre to manage the platform.
According to the statement, “The center, 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.”
Mohsen Ahmad CEO – Logistics District Dubai South
“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. 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.”
Mr. Andrey Bolshakov, Founding CEO of Evocargo, stated that, “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 lifting capacity of the driverless platform is 2 tons, 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,” as per the statement.
Effective fleet management of EVO.1’s automatic pilot systems increases the efficiency of freight transportation while significantly reducing truck downtime. Robotization and using electricity and hydrogen fuel cells instead of conventional fuel offer cost efficiencies.
According to the statement, “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.”
