Dubai South Completes First Stage of Autonomous Vehicle Trials with Evocargo

Dubai, The Gulf Observer: Dubai South, the largest single-urban master development focusing on aviation, logistics, and real estate, announced the successful completion of the first stage of the UAE’s autonomous vehicle trials in partnership with Evocargo. These trials mark a significant milestone in Dubai’s advancement towards becoming a global logistics powerhouse.

Conducted on a designated route within the Dubai South Logistics District, the trials involved the Evocargo N1, an unmanned electric truck. The primary aim was to validate the hardware, software, and overall reliability of the vehicle for future service in the Logistics District.

The trials focused on autonomous navigation along a predefined route, emphasizing safety in mixed traffic scenarios. The Evocargo N1 was tested for object detection, accident prevention, collision avoidance with moving obstacles, and emergency stops. Additionally, the truck’s autopilot system was put through a full range of maneuvers, including parking, reverse parking, turning, and reverse turning. The control center’s functionality, encompassing route management, remote monitoring, and control, was also evaluated.

Throughout the series of tests, no failures or potentially hazardous incidents were reported. Evocargo compiled a comprehensive report of trial results across two stages. In the second stage, the Evocargo N1 platform successfully carried out freight transportation tasks on a standard route in a closed area, demonstrating its ability to respond to its surrounding environment in mixed traffic with high validation standards.

Mohsen Ahmad, CEO of the Logistics District – Dubai South, expressed pride in this groundbreaking milestone, stating, “We are proud of this groundbreaking milestone, which is a testament to Dubai South’s commitment to aligning with the wise leadership’s vision of establishing Dubai as a global logistics powerhouse. Our collaboration with Evocargo reinforced the UAE’s position in the industry and set a progressive stage for significant advancements within the regional logistics sector.”

He added, “As we look to the future, autonomous vehicles will play a pivotal role in revolutionizing the industry, enhancing efficiency, and reducing the overall carbon footprint to create a sustainable and technologically advanced logistics infrastructure that will benefit Dubai and the UAE.”

Ahmed Al-Ansi, CEO of Evocargo Autonomous Logistic Services, commented on the trials’ objectives, noting, “The trials aim to attract new customers and investments in the GCC countries, which are on track for world leadership in innovative tech. We are proud to be a pioneer and one of the first commercial suppliers of cutting-edge services in cargo transportation based on our own electric unmanned vehicles.”

Dubai South and Evocargo agreed to carry out the UAE’s first autonomous electric vehicle trials in a memorandum of understanding signed in December 2022. This collaboration highlights the UAE’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement in the logistics sector.