Locomation, a leading provider of autonomous truck technology solutions, recently announced a comprehensive agreement with ZF, one of the largest automotive and commercial vehicle suppliers in the world, for joint development of steering units to enhance autonomous truck safety.
Under the terms of the agreement, ZF and Locomation will collaborate to develop and test the Level 4 (L4) capable ReAX steering systems in real-world conditions. This steering system integrates market-leading electronic technology with redundant hardware, which is critical for the safe deployment of autonomy.
“We’re excited to work with ZF, which brings its expertise from the automotive sector to commercial vehicles, and it’s a great opportunity to drive the safest deployment of Locomation’s autonomous trucking product portfolio,” says Dr. Çetin Meriçli, Locomation’s co-founder and CEO. “Safety is the bedrock of every phase in our deployment of autonomous truck technology services.”
Locomation says it is on a mission to re-engineer the world’s supply chain for autonomy, starting with a portfolio of autonomous truck technology, each equipped with the L4 ReAX steering unit. L4 ReAX offers full redundancy to achieve rigorous safety standards, which ensure that a system functions correctly and demonstrates the ability to maintain safe operations at all times by detecting and managing faults.
“We are pleased to collaborate with Locomation on its phased approach to developing autonomous trucking technology,” says Julien Plenchette, Vice President, Americas, Commercial Vehicle Division, ZF Group. “Locomation's unique and practical approach with initial human-guidance offers an opportunity to get to market earlier, which provides ZF with real-world data in order to enhance our technology.”
Locomation is aiming to deploy its first product line, Autonomous Relay Convoy, in late 2022, starting with Wilson Logistics and following with PGT Trucking to fulfill the contracts for a total of 2120 trucks between the two customers, the company says.
