German autonomous trucking firm, Fernride, has added $19 million to its Series A funding round. Key investors include Munich Re Ventures, Bayern Kapital, and Klaus Kleinfeld. This brings Fernride’s total Series A to $50 million.
German innovator leads in green trucking
Fernride is at the forefront of autonomous electric trucking. The additional funding will support its ongoing technology development and strengthen its industry leadership. While electric and autonomous vehicles are typically linked to consumers, logistics transport plays a significant role in the sector. Notably, HGVs and vans account for over a third of transport’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to Logistics UK.
Introducing autonomy with a human touch
Fernride’s technology centres on yard trucking within large facilities such as ports. It uses a human-assisted model where teleoperators can intervene as needed. Currently, one teleoperator oversees four vehicles. This system aims to evolve, with Hendrik Kramer, CEO and co-founder of Fernride stating:
Our aim is for a single teleoperator to assist dozens of automated trucks in the future.
Designed for efficiency, these driverless trucks perform almost all tasks a human can. “They execute 100% of the tasks a human-driven truck can,” states Kramer. Yet, they only proceed when the system’s confidence is sufficient. In challenging scenarios, a human teleoperator is alerted.
Revolutionising logistics driving
Fernride’s unique approach addresses both safety and the truck driver shortage. The ability for teleoperators to work remotely presents an alternative job for experienced drivers. Fernride’s trucks are already operational across European ports and at the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg, Germany. Their versatility is a company hallmark, performing tasks equivalent to human-driven, petrol-fuelled trucks.
The blend of Fernride’s method, green advantages, and proven tech has garnered investor attention. Dr. Elisabeth Schrey from DTCF lauds Fernride for automating and decarbonising the supply chain. Similarly, Timur Davis from Munich Re Ventures praises their partnership capabilities.
Aiming for a greener future
Driverless vehicles introduce minor changes with vast cumulative effects. Kramer points out, “With no human in the cabin, there’s no engine idling or air conditioning running.” These changes significantly reduce carbon emissions.
Fernride’s vision is expansive. “We want to take autonomous electric trucking beyond shipping yards onto public roads,” declares Kramer. The goal is to broaden this technology’s applications and solidify Fernride as a global pioneer in the sector.
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