Towards Fully Autonomous Deliveries
Manufacturer Isuzu is deeply committed to the research of fully autonomous delivery vehicles. Credit: Michel Beaunoyer
Medium-duty truck manufacturer Isuzu, present at Truck World, showcased at its booth the result of a long-standing partnership with Gatik, a firm specializing in the automation of trucks performing deliveries between distribution centres, warehouses, and retail stores. This partnership dates back approximately seven years and has enabled Isuzu to offer, where regulations permit, 100% autonomous trucks through Gatik.
The company counts several North American clients, particularly in the food services sector, who utilize this technology to supply their supermarkets. Even where a driver's presence is required, activating the autonomous driving mode is said to reduce fuel consumption by 10 to 20% through optimal route management and acceleration.
"Furthermore, a major advantage concerns safety," explains Garvit Tandon of Gatik. "With our system, there is no more speeding or distraction due to cell phones".
Gatik is based in California but has offices in Etobicoke, Ontario, close to a Loblaw warehouse where a Level 4 automated distribution pilot project is being conducted on the middle mile. The California-based firm opted for Isuzu medium-duty trucks, as their dimensions correspond to the intended applications and the Japanese manufacturer is an investor in their technology.
