New Stage: Fully Autonomous Trucks Launched on M-11 "Neva" Highway in Russia

In Russia, transport technologies have reached a new stage: the movement of fully autonomous trucks has been launched on the M-11 "Neva" highway. This high-speed highway between Moscow and St. Petersburg is now powered by driverless, artificial intelligence-controlled trucks. This major project was implemented within the framework of the "Digital Transportation" forum and is considered one of the important achievements in the country's transport network.

Project initiation and development

Autonomous trucks were tested for the first time in the summer of 2022 on the M-11 "Neva" highway. At that time, the driver was sitting in the car and controlled the autopilot system. In June 2023, highly automated vehicles carrying cargo to Moscow began to move. Now drivers can sit in the passenger seat and drive the car fully autonomously.

From September 2024, autonomous trucks began to move along the entire length of the highway. Previously, each truck was monitored by a driver-engineer, but now this requirement has been canceled.

Technological characteristics of autonomous systems

Autonomous systems are equipped with modern artificial intelligence, GPS navigation, radar and lidar technologies. These technologies allow the systems to analyze the traffic situation in real time and change the direction. More than 800 cameras, 500 traffic detectors and 600 electronic signs have been installed on the highway to ensure traffic safety.

The introduction of autonomous systems makes it possible for trucks to work around the clock, because there are no restrictions on the work and rest modes of drivers. This speeds up shipping processes, increases logistics efficiency, and minimizes downtime.

Future plans

According to the plan, the fleet of autonomous trucks will reach 43 by the end of 2024, and their number will increase to 93 by 2025. At the next stage of the project, it is planned to expand autonomous systems on the M-12 "Vostok" and Tsentralnaya Kol'tsevaya Avtomobilyoli (TsKAD) routes.

Advantages of autonomous systems

1. Expedited Freight: As autonomous trucks can move without stopping, they provide faster delivery of goods, which saves time and increases efficiency.

2. Increasing safety: due to the minimal impact of the human factor, the risk of traffic accidents is reduced. Systems are backed up and double-monitored, ensuring reliability and security.

3. Reducing the impact on the environment: As autonomous systems use fuel efficiently, fuel consumption and emissions are reduced.

"Digital Transportation" Forum

The "Digital Transportation" forum was held in the country on the day of the launch of fully autonomous trucks. The forum discussed the directions of further development of digital transformation in the transport sector. Representatives of the Ministry of Transport of Russia, state company "Avtodor" and technological companies took part in the event.

Summary

The launch of fully autonomous trucks on the Russian highway M-11 "Neva" started a new phase in the development of the transport system. The successful implementation of the project will demonstrate revolutionary changes in the field of logistics and help increase the global competitiveness of the Russian transport network in the future. Autonomous systems increase safety, reduce cargo delivery time and reduce environmental impact. This is an important strategic step for the country.