Navio: L5 Autonomous main tractor

The main articles are:

• Unmanned trucks in Russia
• Self-driving trucks
• Self-driving cars in Russia
• Self-driving cars (global market)
• Autopilot (self-driving car)

2024

Creation of a detailed HD-map of M-12, M-3 and TsKAD routes for unmanned trucks

The Russian company Navio announced the readiness of its technology to launch autonomous cargo transportation on three additional highways - M-12 Vostok, M-4 Don and A-113 Central Ring Road. The company was informed to TAdviser on December 20, 2024.

The company conducted statistically significant tests with a kilometer roll on the created high-precision map (HD map). The digital map is an important component of the technology, ensuring the accuracy of navigation and compliance with the rules of the road by an autonomous vehicle even in adverse weather conditions or the absence of markings.

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Navio

As part of the tests of the technology on the M-12 highway, Navio carried out test delivery of cargo in autonomous mode along the route Moscow - Kazan - Moscow, which confirmed the system's performance in real conditions.

Navio has been carrying out cargo transportation using autonomous vehicles on the Neva M-11 highway since June 2023. As part of the Federal Project "Unmanned Logistics Corridors" (BLK), by December 2024, 35 autonomous trucks of the company were allowed to operate at the M-11.

According to the publication, during the operation, the total mileage of unmanned Navio trucks exceeded 1.8 million kilometers. The company's autonomous vehicles delivered more than 40 thousand tons of various cargoes, demonstrating the effectiveness of the technology in real operating conditions.

The readiness of digital maps of three new highways will expand the geography of unmanned cargo transportation in Russia. High-precision mapping is a prerequisite for the safe operation of autonomous vehicles on high-speed routes. The use of HD maps provides unmanned trucks with the ability to accurately position and navigate in various conditions.

Presentation of prototype of autonomous main tractor L5

Navio on December 11, 2024 presented a prototype of the L5 autonomous main tractor, which does not provide for a driver's workplace.

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Navio

Navio's universal functional stack is based on traffic rules (SDAs) and covers all scenarios on the road. According to the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) classification, the Navio tractor corresponds to the L5 level - complete automation, which does not imply control systems for the driver.

An unmanned vehicle continuously analyzes the environment based on sensorset data (lidars, radars, cameras): road, other traffic participants, infrastructure elements, static objects. He controls his position inside the strip, speed, distance to objects and, if necessary, makes a rebuild. The autonomous tractor is able to pass special sections (toll points (BOPs), loading/unloading zones), can urgently brake and perform other maneuvers to prevent a possible incident.

L5 is designed in accordance with the requirements of functional safety standards and. cyber security All key mechanisms of the system are redundant, which guarantees the reliability of the technology in case of failure of individual components. Self-driving truck around the clock is under the control of a remote operator. The specialists of the teleoperation center receive all information about the events along the path of transport the funds using the technology (V2X vehicle-to-everything). The L5 is equipped with a set of sensors that transmit status information in real time. In truck case of an emergency, the teleoperation center will help solve it or call specialized services.

The L5's design embodies a balance of aesthetics and functionality. The proportions and shapes provide a low aerodynamic drag coefficient. The lack of the usual windscreen and side windows indicates the complete autonomy of the truck, which does not require a driver's seat. Lighting technology is represented by a closed LED circuit of overall lights and symbolizes the continuity of movement of the truck. Interactive panels allow the AI driver to interact with the world around him and increase security: information messages are transmitted using graphics and text.

The L5 cabin is versatile and can be installed on the chassis of truck tractors from different manufacturers. It is not equipped with components and systems for the comfort and safety of a person in the cabin, which reduces production costs. The streamlined cabin together with the platform elements provide a low aerodynamic drag coefficient for the entire road train.

The AI driver applies optimal force during braking and acceleration. Given the aerodynamic efficiency, an autonomous tractor can save up to 15% of fuel during regular operation with a total reduction in the cost of transportation to 30%.

The operation of autonomous trucks in conveyor mode on highways - the longest section of the road - allows you to reduce delivery times and reduce the cost of cargo transportation. They do not need to stop for sleep and rest, so useful operation time can be up to 23 hours a day.

The prototype of the L5 autonomous tractor has already begun to undergo a full series of tests of the technology in laboratory (simulator, HIL stands) and real conditions at the training ground. The closed landfill allows you to check the algorithms and the maximum number of possible scenarios before entering public roads. For this, real objects are used and vehicle-in-the-loop testing is a simulation of complex scripts that cannot be reproduced at the training ground. Scaling the technology will be possible through the introduction of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), developed as part of a technological partnership with Sberbank.