Autonomous vehicle technology company Applied EV has partnered with self-driving software pioneer Oxa to enable to commercial deployment of autonomous vehicles at scale.
It is hoped the partnership with Oxa will help deliver an immediate turnkey solution that can allow businesses to integrate autonomous vehicles into their operations and bolster the sector against the worsening driver shortage.
Companies will be able to lease Applied EV’s vehicle platform equipped with sensors and compute based on an Oxa Reference Autonomy Design (RAD) – and running Oxa’s self-driving software.
Earlier this year Applied EV, which is headquartered in Australia, showcased its 6th Generation Blanc Robot technology at CES with Suzuki, which marked the first time that a fully software-defined autonomous logistics vehicle can be produced at automotive volumes and standards.
An initial 100 Blanc Robots integrated with Oxa’s self-driving technology will be rolled out, followed by the commercial deployment of large-scale fleets.
“This partnership marks a significant milestone in the commercial deployment of autonomous vehicles,” CEO of Applied EV Julian Broadbent says.
“By combining our OEM-grade vehicle platform with Oxa’s autonomy software, we are delivering a groundbreaking, scalable solution that enables businesses to seamlessly integrate autonomy into their operations, unlocking efficiencies and accelerating industry transformation.
“The unique vehicle-as-a-service model will pave the way for thousands of Blanc Robots and other autonomous vehicle platforms to be deployed globally over the years.”
Some of Australia’s largest businesses are already trialling autonomous vehicles in a broad range of applications.
Manufacturer Scania, for example, is preparing to launch the world’s first fleet of autonomous in-pit mining trucks in the Pilbara at Element 25’s Butcherbird Mine later this year.
That autonomous truck trial will involve 11 autonomous rigid G560 8×4 tippers that will. Transport manganese ore for Element 25.
CEO of Oxa Gavin Jackson says the partnership with Applied EV will continue to progress the potential of autonomous vehicles in industrial operations.
“By combining our expertise we are accelerating Industrial Mobility Automation,” Jackson says. “Automating the billions of repetitive mobility tasks that businesses perform daily.
“This partnership unlocks new opportunities for autonomy at scale, enabling businesses to realise the full benefits of software-defined, safety-rated autonomous vehicles – solving critical challenges such as driver shortages and productivity gaps.
“Together, we are shaping the future of mobility by making it safer, more reliable and more efficient.”
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