00:01This vehicle has a conspicuously dark windscreen and no driver behind it.
00:06Instead, the electrically powered truck has an array of cameras, radars and laser sensors
00:12that enable an AI to create a 3D view of the surroundings.
00:17The self-driving truck operates between two warehouses of online pharmacy Apotea outside Stockholm.
00:24It was designed by Swedish company Enride.
00:27The biggest opportunity we see is in medium to short distances with very repetitive flows.
00:34That means we go from factory to warehouse or warehouse to warehouse.
00:38High volume and a high level of repetitiveness.
00:43The truck's trips involve a brief section of public road.
00:47Another reason for a remote human operator still being needed.
00:51500 kilometers away in Gothenburg, Enride's control center.
00:58The autonomous vehicles are monitored by backup drivers, with cameras relaying what the trucks are themselves seeing.
01:05When there are tricky spots approaching, the AI contacts its human partner.
01:10If we're coming to, I would say, a blind curve, the vehicle will come to a stop and will ask me if it's okay to move on.
01:20Although the AI only makes those queries due to official safety requirements, it could actually operate without human control and support, says the head of autonomous operations.
01:31Technology-wise, we don't have to do it. We can do full autonomous, disconnect the remote interface and let it run by itself.
01:40So that's something we're working really close with authorities to solve in the future.
01:46So how does the Swedish public feel about autonomous trucks on their roads?
01:51An on-the-spot survey reveals a degree of skepticism towards AI drivers.
01:56I think it's a bit scary.
01:58I don't think it's the safest idea maybe now.
02:02Perhaps in a few years when they still develop it fully, then I will put more trust in.
02:07They say that it's safe, but I trust people more.
02:10I think it's scary, personally. I would more trust a human driver over AI.
02:16Is it on public, Rosa? Not be afraid, but think about it. It's really good.
02:22The online pharmacy began using autonomous trucks in 2024.
02:27Ideally, the company would have the vehicles delivered directly to customers, not just between warehouses.
02:33But approval for that next step is still pending.
02:36It's cheaper, more efficient. They are electric. But also, we can deliver 24-7.
02:45I mean, a driver needs to sleep. They are sick or they need to have a vacation.
02:51But an autonomous truck can run all the time.
02:55The self-driving trucks are part of a broader automation strategy.
02:59Robots and other machines already handle 85% of the company's logistics flow
03:04and pack up to 100,000 parcels daily.
03:08A new warehouse in southern Sweden is already fully automated.
03:13We can also deliver much faster.
03:16And that's very important because our customers really want to have same-day deliveries, very fast deliveries.
03:23And together with automation inside the house and in-ride outside the house, we can deliver very fast.
03:31The port of Antwerp in the Netherlands is also embracing autonomous mobility for goods transport.
03:38And recently saw Enride showcasing its self-driving truck on a public road.
03:43The company is now hoping to take operations to the next level by securing a contract for autonomous container transport.
03:50For more information, visit www.antwerp.com.au.au.au.au.au.au.au.au.au.au.au.au.
03:57www.antwerp.com.au.au.au.au.au.au.au.au.au.au.
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