TractEasy, the joint venture between Alvest Group, with its companies TLD as industrial partner, Smart Airport Systems (SAS) with its aviation expertize, and EasyMile as driverless technology provider, is developing a new autonomous cargo dolly for air cargo sites.
The “EZDolly” is being designed to increase efficiency, safety, and reliability of ramp operations. With the capacity to transfer and transport a full width (96”) Unit Loader Device (ULD) or pallet it will reduce baggage and cargo loading and unloading times, make ground maneuvers and routes more efficient, and reduce operational costs. Production will start in 2025 with orders for the first 2 units confirmed for May of 2025, and more orders behind that in the pipeline.
Purpose built for fleet level deployment the dolly is aimed at serious customers with an immediate appetite for level 4 autonomous operations. The EZDolly intentionally does not have a manual driver station for maximum operational efficiency and the lowest possible total cost of ownership. The electric, autonomous vehicle will use the proven range of sensors and cameras with real-time processing, already used on the globally deployed EZTow autonomous tow tractor allowing the vehicle to navigate complex indoor and outdoor, airport environments with centimeter-level precision.
Based on TLD’s “TF” transporter platform, the vehicle uses a proven, iBS-powered driveline and cargo conveying system. It supports all major upper and lower deck ULD container and pallet types, with a maximum load capacity of 7 metric tonnes. The system features automated load transfer and EZFleet control, along with API integration to customer Airport Operations Management Systems. Additionally, it offers 360° maneuverability which allows it to navigate space-constrained environments and precise docking to loaders with variable locations.
The EZDolly’s technology is developed from EasyMile’s software: the most widely used autonomous driving stack in the world with more than 400 deployments and over 600,000 miles driven. The automated system will be able to operate 24/7.
It is TractEasy’s second commercial product for level 4 at scale autonomous operation after the EZTow autonomous tow tractor. It is a key part of the new company’s strategy to scale with a portfolio of in and outdoor autonomous material handling platforms that provide end-to-end solutions for its global customers.
Richard Reno, CEO of TractEasy, said:We are excited to announce this important development. Airport autonomous cargo handling is ready for takeoff and we’re thrilled to be leading the way with our EZTow, and now EZDolly, products. TractEasy is committed to delivering proven performance, guaranteed availability and an unmatched experience to meet the fast-evolving automation demands of the cargo and material handling industry.
This article was originally published by EasyMile.
