Fernride
Fernride optimizes yards with autonomous, electric trucking solutions, providing emission-free operations and enhancing yard capacity through advanced technology and human-assisted autonomy.
Autonomous Electric Trucking Solutions
Fernride optimizes yards with autonomous, electric trucking solutions designed to enhance container transportation, manufacturing supply, and yard shunting. Their autonomous vehicles leverage advanced autonomy stack, redundant systems, fail-safe mechanisms, and state-of-the-art sensors to ensure dependable operations. These solutions aim to automate yard shunting, increasing yard capacity while reducing operational costs and the risks involved in manual handling. Fernride has proven its efficacy through productive operations with partners like Volkswagen Group Logistics, HHLA TK Estonia, and DB Schenker.
Human-Assisted Autonomous Operation
Fernride employs a human-assisted autonomy approach, where one operator can oversee multiple driverless vehicles simultaneously. This combines autonomous driving technology for routine tasks with remote operation for improved reliability and safety. The company's autonomous yard operations adhere to rigorous performance testing and risk assessments, delivering a 99.9% operational reliability rate. Their commitment to safety includes stringent protocols, collision avoidance systems, and trained operator assistance.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Fernride collaborates with several industry leaders to scale and validate its autonomous trucking solutions. Significant partners include DB Schenker for international expansion and pilot projects, HHLA TK Estonia for autonomous driving projects, and Volkswagen Group Logistics for manufacturing supply chain automation. These collaborations help Fernride integrate its autonomous solutions into existing terminal environments without the need for infrastructure changes, ensuring seamless adoption.
Funding and Growth
Fernride has raised more than 60M USD in venture funding, including $50M in Series A funding aimed at scaling its autonomous yard trucking capabilities. The company's growth trajectory is rooted in its origins at the Chair of Automotive Engineering at TUM, where it spun off after 10 years of research. With over 130 employees, Fernride continues to advance its autonomous technology to meet the highest EU safety standards and support emission-free yard operations that align with ESG goals.
Industry Recognition and Achievements
Fernride's innovative approach to autonomous trucking has earned industry recognition, including winning the German Mobility Award in 2020. The company's first productive operations of automated trucks took place at Volkswagen's Wolfsburg plant in 2022. In addition, Fernride participates in the ATLAS-L4 project aimed at bringing autonomous level 4 trucks to open roads, demonstrating its commitment to advancing autonomous transportation technology.