Following the NXT Concept that envisions a
self-driving urban bus/commercial vehicle, Scania has developed yet another
autonomous machine.
It’s called the Scania AXL and it’s a concept for a
fully autonomous heavy truck, a fact made obvious by the complete lack of a
cab. A new intelligent front module replaces the traditional cab, but even so,
the AXL is easily recognizable as a Scania as it features the company’s modular
system at the heart of the design.
Interestingly, and unlike most autonomous concepts,
the AXL does not have all-electric propulsion but is instead powered by an
internal combustion engine using renewable biofuel. According to the VW
Group-owned company, this is an example of “how traditional and new technology
is mixed.” Speaking of new tech, the Scania AXL also features cameras, radar,
lidar, and GPS receivers to help it navigate through mines and large closed
construction sites.
These environments are ideal “playgrounds” for
self-driving trucks since they are well-controlled locations. In mines, for
example, a logistics system tells the vehicle how it should perform. It’s worth
noting that Scania’s first fully autonomous concept truck is designed for a
level that meets the operational needs of mines and isn’t yet street smart.
Scania aims to be one of the first truck makers to
offer fully autonomous heavy trucks that would allow industries such as these
to streamline their transport needs and make them more sustainable.
