The two companies plan to integrate Rocsys’ ‘ROC-1’ hands-free charger with Aidrivers’ autonomous digital infrastructure which allows terminal tractors to drive themselves safely in the port.

Aidrivers will contribute its expertise in developing autonomous driving software, while ZF’s Mobility Solutions division will act as engineering partner, handling integration, validation, and deployment of the technology.

This product announcement follows on from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for long-term collaboration signed in January 2022 to develop autonomous vehicles.

The YT200EV terminal tractor features 350 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries that provide up to 10 hours of operation and can be fully charged within an hour.

A JV called Terberg Tractors Malaysia Sdn Bhd (TTM) of Puchong, Selangor, is testing an autonomous terminal tractor in a container terminal in Johor this month, using artificial intelligence (AI) and software supplied by Aidrivers Ltd of Uxbridge, UK.

Aidrivers and AD Ports Group of Abu Dhabi will trial terminal tractors or yard trucks fitted with Aidrivers’ autonomous driving technology at Zayed Port, with scope to expand to other locations.

The two companies intend to collaborate long term on the integration of Aidrivers’ autonomous driving technology in Terberg’s terminal tractors, targeting the Asian and Middle Eastern markets. 

Aidrivers will provide AI-enabled autonomous solutions and Ashok Leyland will provide vehicle platforms; the partners will work together to explore target markets and opportunities for cooperation.