The autonomous logistics platform
Warehouses and logistics platforms (WLP) are pivotal to the economic development and competitiveness of businesses, serving as a vital link between domestic industries and the global supply chain. Currently, these platforms face significant challenges, including a shortage of heavy truck drivers, congestion driven by increasing volumes and the growth of e-commerce, safety and security risks for shunting operators (with injuries resulting from frequent cabin entry and exit, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and dangerous working environments), as well as environmental concerns such as CO2 emissions and noise pollution. Furthermore, the societal imperative to reduce transport emissions to near-zero greenhouse gases by 2030 adds to the urgency. In response to these challenges, we offer an innovative solution based on autonomous and eco-responsible robot tractors, specifically developed and optimized to address the various issues currently faced by WLPs.
X-Hub project is focused on the industrialization and large-scale deployment of eco-friendly, autonomous, and connected tow-robots within WLPs. These robots bring several noteworthy innovations. Primarily, they are electric and replace polluting diesel trucks, resulting in improved health outcomes for on-site personnel and a positive environmental impact on urban and peri-urban areas. Their compact size provides valuable space for maneuvering, contributing to the preservation of natural spaces and the reduction of operational costs—both outdoors and indoors. Furthermore, their autonomy and connectivity address issues related to driver shortages, enhance workplace safety, optimize maneuvering, and contribute to the digitization and modernization of the supply chain.
The introduction of these small tow-robots necessitates the transfer of technological components in energy, autonomous driving, and connectivity. The consortium—comprising members such as EX9, DHL SC, and UTBM—has already made significant strides in this area, conducting a full-scale pilot on an operational site. Based on the insights gained from this pilot, the consortium plans to continue advancing the technology for large-scale deployment, focusing on the full industrialization of the solution. This will involve addressing numerous challenges, including the full automation of maneuvers, ensuring reliable connectivity, optimizing sensor networks, refining trajectory algorithms for safety and operational efficiency, automating hands-free charging, improving energy efficiency, designing ergonomic human-machine interfaces, and developing the industrial tools necessary for mass production (e.g., configuration at the end-of-line manufacturing, on-site deployment, and serial diagnostics for daily operations).
The consortium is committed to advancing the solution and aims to transfer cutting-edge technological components while exploring future technologies ready for implementation by the end of the project.
Recognizing the economic importance of this initiative, the consortium is focused on developing the least intrusive solution to facilitate its deployment and widespread adoption. This approach will not only maximize the solution’s national impact but also position it for international export, further enhancing France’s reputation as a leader in technological innovation.
The CIAD Laboratory, affiliated with the University of Technology of Belfort-Montbéliard (UTBM), specializes in artificial intelligence research.
It brings together around 70 researchers, engineers, and PhD students to develop Hybrid, Distributed, and Explainable AI.
EX9 is a provider of automated and eco-friendly terminal transport solutions for logistics and industrial operations. It offers autonomous and sustainable transport solutions designed to move trailers, containers, and pallets within logistics sites. The company deploys a fully integrated automation service by incorporating electric tractor robots into operational processes.
DHL Supply Chain (DHL SC) is part of the Deutsche Post DHL Group, the world’s leading mail, express, and logistics provider. In Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, DHL SC’s 35,000 team members operate across 23 countries, serving 665 clients from various industries, including Retail, Consumer Goods, Auto Mobility, Technology, Life Sciences & Healthcare, Energy, and Engineering & Manufacturing.
Orange a leading telecommunications operator and digital service provider. We serve 287 million customers (at 31 December 2023), individuals, professionals, and large companies: and are one of the world’s foremost telecommunications operators for multinational companies, under the Orange Business brand.
Outsight means the ability to perceive and understand external things clearly.
We empower organizations across all industries to harness the power of 3D LiDAR data for effective monitoring of people, goods and vehicles.
NEOTRUCKS is completely revolutionizing the industrial mobility market by offering the first heavy-duty handling solution derived from the circular economy.
NEOTRUCKS recycles and transforms heavy-duty vehicles into non-road-approved special equipment to decarbonize your supply chain.
Our mission: accelerate your energy transition, reduce your carbon footprint, and enhance the working conditions of your employees.
Elonroad is dedicated to building a new Internet of efficient mobility, seamlessly connecting people and goods. Our mission is to revolutionize how we move, reducing emissions and optimizing transportation networks for a more sustainable and accessible world.
Créées pour répondre aux besoins de développement économique et industriel de la France depuis le 19e siècle, les Grandes Écoles de l’Institut Mines-Télécom ont accompagné toutes les révolutions industrielles et des communications.
Par la recherche et la formation d’ingénieures, d’ingénieurs, de managers, et de docteures et docteurs, l’Institut Mines-Télécom répond aux grands défis industriels, numériques, énergétiques et écologiques en France, en Europe et dans le monde.
PSHA is a human, industrial and digital company, a real industrial accelerator and incubator that supports its customers from idea to realisation.
We are an SME offering a unique facility that brings together all the industrial and digital skills and systems under one roof, with a local presence in the Paris region and international collaborations.
Avairx is a strategic consulting firm specialized in emerging, non-conventional & innovative transport systems planning & urbanism.
We advise the ecosystem - start-ups, system developers, OEMs and equipment manufacturers, system operators, transport operators, authorities, governments, investors - and regions to better understand emerging and innovative mobility systems. We therefore share our vision of the transport of the future.
Revolutionizing Logistics with Autonomous Tow-Robots On Thursday, March 6, the UTBM Innovation Crunchlab in Belfort hosted the kickoff meeting for […]
Today, november 20, 2024 in Paris, the launch event for the ANR projects « Défis Transfert Robotique » took place, during which […]