UAE's first driverless truck trials launched at Dubai South

Dubai South has signed a memorandum of understanding with Evocargo for the launch of the UAE’s first autonomous vehicle trials for cargo at the master development’s Logistics District.

The EVO.1 driverless electric logistics vehicle, will navigate Dubai South’s Logistics District from December until February 2023.

A key objective of the trial is to allow Evocargo to modify and redesign EVO.1 specifically for the MENA region.

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

The centre, 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 of the Logistics District – Dubai South, said they're proud to be involved in the global benchmarking.

"Besides improving operational efficiency, our partnership will help scale supply chain operations and achieve sustainability," says Ahmad. "At the Logistics District, we are mandated to support the industry and accelerate the UAE’s rapidly advancing logistics sector.” 

The lifting capacity of the driverless platform is two 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 Dubai-headquartered Evocargo is a logistics service provider that develops and provides electric autonomous transportation platforms.

Andrey Bolshakov, Founding CEO, Evocargo said it is their 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,” said Bolshakov.

Evocargo has 37 protected inventions and technologies covering 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.

Dubai South is the emirate’s largest single-urban master development focusing on aviation, logistics and real estate.