US-based Hyzon Motors has signed an agreement with UK-based Aidrivers to deliver autonomous hydrogen heavy vehicles to seaports, airports and logistics sectors with an initial focus in the Asia-Pacific region.
Under the agreement, the companies will collaborate on the design, manufacture and delivery of autonomous-drive hydrogen-powered trucks, buses and coaches.
The first trial of a fully autonomous hydrogen fuel-cell powered truck is expected in 2021, with the first fleet of operational trucks to be deployed in 2022, Hyzon says.
Aidrivers is a leading autonomous mobility provider which develops AI-enabled algorithms and 3D sensors for industrial applications particularly in the dynamic and noisy environment of seaport terminals.
The company’s two key solutions include the Autonomous Intelligent Operating System (AIOS) and the Autonomous Intelligent Fleet Operator (AIFO) management system.
AIOS is equipped with precision 3D mapping and localisation. The operating system combines 3D perception with situation awareness to enable autonomous driving. AIFO provides the operator with a live visualisation platform and predictive analytics for intelligent path planning and scheduling.
Hyzon chief executive and co-founder Craig Knight says the partnership is helping combine zero-emission fuel and autonomous driving.
This will create a “safer, smarter and cleaner solution for ports, logistics, airports and other industrial operators around the world”.
“This is the ultimate future of mobility; zero emissions with zero drivers,” Knight says.
Aidrivers chief executive and founder Dr Rafiq Swash says combining automation with zero-emissions is the “future of mobility”.
“We are excited to be working with Hyzon, an established and pioneering group in global zero-emission mobility, a world leader in fuel-cell technology and already a supplier of hydrogen-powered trucks to ports.
“This is an exciting partnership, and we look forward to delivering the future of sustainable and safe mobility in the coming years,” Swash says.
