The automated driving technology is in a pilot phase, aiming to reach L4 driving autonomy
In recent years, the concept of self-driving cars has spurred engineers to conduct safety testing on automated vehicles, with the hopes of normalising their presence in both private and commercial settings.
In theory, automated vehicles have the potential to reduce the number of road crashes caused by human error. To achieve this level of safety, engineers have relied upon simulations and products such as sensors, collecting data to prepare vehicles for a variety of environments.
Developing automated vehicles to be reliable enough to allow for pilot testing, is challenging, particularly in urban environments.
Transportation company Planzer and technology startup Loxo have reached this stage.
The first autonomous driving commercial vehicle is beginning to ride around Bern. The aim is that by navigating the Swiss capital’s busy city streets, the vehicle will reach L4 driving autonomy.
The pilot phase of the Loxo Digital Driver will last two years, carrying parcels from the Planzer Railway Centre to various strategic logistic locations in Bern’s city centre. From there, the parcels will be loaded onto small electric vehicles and delivered to customers by “Planzer Paket” staff.
After the two years are completed, Planzer and Loxo will develop the automated vehicle further with eight swap boxes with plans to roll out automated vehicles in other Swiss cities.
"The uniqueness of this project lies in the fact that it will have a direct impact on society,” said Nils Planzer, the CEO and chairman of Planzer. “We didn't just want to integrate automated technology into existing systems, we wanted to develop a completely new concept and a new business model."
This largely emission-free delivery process is also more efficient because it navigates improved routes with more manoeuvrable vehicles.
“Our partnership with Planzer holds great promise,” said Amin Amini, the CEO of Loxo. “It’s an opportunity to showcase our industry-leading SaaS solution, which can be seamlessly integrated into virtually any drive-by-wire commercial vehicle. We believe this collaboration will not only expand Planzer’s business, but also validate the future of autonomous driving in Europe.”
New regulation governing automated driving (AFV) in Switzerland is expected to take effect in spring 2025
