For the first time in Belarus, autonomous electric cargo vehicles with artificial intelligence elements have started to be used for transporting goods. The new system began operating at the "Priilesse" distribution center near Minsk, which serves the "Dabranom" retail chain, including "Kapeechka", "Mayak" stores, and "Dabranom" supermarkets, writes the publication "Nash portal".
11 autonomous electric trucks are already operating on the territory of the logistics complex. They transport real goods between warehouses and storage areas without driver involvement. The vehicles operate in several shifts, seven days a week.
Instead of a human, control is carried out by an artificial intelligence system that uses cameras, radars, and lidars to analyze the surrounding space. The vehicles are capable of recognizing people, equipment, and other obstacles, predicting their movement, choosing the safest route, and adapting to various conditions, such as changes in lighting or road surface conditions.
According to the system developer, "EvaKargo" company, the software was created based on the experience of dozens of similar projects. The company claims that no accidents or other serious incidents have been recorded throughout the operation of these autonomous vehicles.
Currently, the autonomous trucks operate only within the logistics center. They transport a wide range of products — from dairy products and beverages to household chemicals and seasonal goods.
Dabranom notes that the use of the new technology has already reduced operating costs by approximately 35 percent. This was made possible due to more precise route planning, reduced fuel costs thanks to electric drive, and the fact that the vehicles can operate without breaks and are not dependent on the human factor.
At the same time, the company emphasizes that automation does not mean staff reduction. Their work is changing: now one operator can remotely control 10-12 autonomous vehicles simultaneously, monitor battery charge levels, the technical condition of the transport, and adjust logistical routes if necessary. Thus, employees transition from direct vehicle control to dispatcher and analyst functions.
In the future, the company plans to expand the use of autonomous vehicles.
If operation within the logistics center proves its effectiveness, the next step could be the organization of autonomous transportation between distribution centers and stores in the Minsk region.
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