Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America on Monday announced the HubPilot autonomous distribution yard logistics platform as a service.
HubPilot is designed specifically for geofenced distribution centers and logistics hubs. It employs multisensor inputs on autonomous yard dogs, also known as rovers or terminal tractors. The sensors, combined with software, allow the platform to visualize the yard dogs' surroundings, identify assigned trailers and confirm their locations.
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"The HubPilot platform utilizes infrastructure-based perception in conjunction with rover perception to make intelligent decisions necessary for industry-leading yard management," says Mark Rakoski, vice president of advanced engineering at Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America. "This technology provides increased safety and security and optimizes logistics efficiency."
HubPilot also automates the connection of compressed air hoses to the trailer for the air brakes, eliminating the need for manual intervention each time a yard dog picks up or drops off a trailer. Trailers are virtually tagged so the platform can track locations and movements in real time. HubPilot interfaces with the yard management system to receive commands, operating at SAE Level 4 autonomy. Yard dogs can also be operated by a driver with the platform, maintaining the same security, safety and optimization benefits.
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"The HubPilot platform will help alleviate the increasing driver shortage and improve safety, security and working conditions," says Eyad Zeino, director of mobility at Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America. "The technology can be used anywhere there are moving vehicles and the infrastructure-mounted LIDAR eliminates blind spots that can't be avoided with on-vehicle technology. A busy yard has a lot of different vehicles and trailers moving simultaneously, and the HubPilot platform provides a safe way for the rovers and trailers to navigate."
HubPilot sensors on the vehicles and yard infrastructure, such as buildings or poles, enable two-way communication and provides full coverage of the area, eliminating blind spots and detecting pedestrians. The platform features advanced safety and cybersecurity measures, Mitsubishi says, to protect it from outside sources or hackers.
Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America says the HubPilot development phase will run through this year and it will be fully operational in 2025 with a North American launch.
