In a world first, DHL deploys autonomous Oxa Ford in live airport traffic

International shipping giants DHL partnered with autonomous software company Oxa to deploy a self-driving car in live airport traffic at Heathrow, safely completing more than 800 miles of fully autonomous driving in just 14 days.

DHL has been a leader in decarbonization and new technology for years, and have maintained a Strategic Partnership with London Heathrow Airport since 2020, with the company providing baggage logistics and other support services. The project with Oxa, then, is part of a bid to use autonomy to optimize airside operations and improve efficiency across the inter-terminal baggage transfer service.

“There are huge opportunities to modernize airport supply chains with intelligent, self-driving vehicles that improve the entire customer experience,” explains Gavin Jackson, CEO of Oxa. “We are delighted to partner with DHL in order to support the use of autonomous vehicles within airside operations at Heathrow and around the world – working towards fully automated (airport) logistics at scale.”

This initial proof-of-concept was conducted using an automated Ford sedan, but with a view to ultimately utilizing vehicle platforms more suitable for baggage transfer including electric vans like the Ford E-Transit and electrified ground handling equipment.

“Our vision is to be an extraordinary airport fit for the future. Having experienced this innovative and sustainable project first hand, I’m confident collaborations like this with our strategic partner DHL, and their partner Oxa, will help us realize our ambition,” says Nigel Milton, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, London Heathrow. “The future of airport operations requires advancements which will enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and support increased capacity. This project is an exciting proof point of the progress that will make every journey at Heathrow better.”

Electrek’s Take

As I’ve said before: with the short distances driven at limited speeds under extreme loads, GHE and shuttles at airports present an ideal use case for electric vehicles. That’s good, because as demand for on-road fossil fuels drops, airports and airlines – historically responsible for about 4% Earth’s global warming – are comprising a bigger slice of a shrinking pie when it comes to fossil fuel emissions.

With their enclosed, repetitive, and controlled routes, airports are also an ideal use case for autonomous – and it’s great to see our friends in the UK giving it a shot.

SOURCE | IMAGES: DHL.