Volvo Trucks' futuristic electric, connected and autonomous Vera is going to work in Sweden – moving containers from a logistics centre to a port terminal.
The real-world testing assignment for the autonomous concept truck – which has no cab, let alone a driver – is the result of a collaboration between Volvo Trucks and ferry and logistics company, DFDS.
Vera was unveiled last year – designed for repetitive assignments in logistics centres, factories and ports. It's suited for operating over short distances, transporting large volumes of goods with high precision.
The collaboration with DFDS (also involving several other companies), is intended to have Vera operate in a connected system, maintaining a continuous flow of goods from a DFDS' logistics centre to an APM Terminals port facility in Gothenburg.
Several Veras will be monitored by an operator in a control tower – enabling a seamless and constant flow, responsive to demands for greater efficiency, flexibility and sustainability. 
The solution is suited to repetitive workflows, with Vera travelling at a maximum 40km/h. Infrastructure has been adapted as part of the integrated transport, including automated gates at the terminals. 
Volvo sees the collaboration with DFDS as "a first step towards implementing Vera in a real transport assignment on predefined public roads in an industrial area."
Mikael Karlsson, vice president autonomous solutions at Volvo Trucks, says the collaboration gives it "the opportunity to implement Vera in an ideal setting and further develop her potential for other similar operations."
DFDS CEO Torben Carlsen says the company wants to be at the forefront of connected, autonomous transportation: "This collaboration will help us develop an efficient, flexible and sustainable longterm solution for receiving autonomous vehicles arriving at our gates – benefitting our customers, the environment and our business."