de
en

TractEasy launches autonomous cargo dolly

Written by TractEasy
autonomous cargo dolly
News
  • World’s first level 4 autonomous ready cargo dolly for airport operations
  • Vehicle manufactured by TLD and equipped with EasyMile driverless technology
  • Second commercial product for TractEasy, joint venture between Alvest Group with its companies TLD and Smart Airport Systems (SAS), and EasyMile

 

Denver, 17 September, 2024 – 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.

 

See how EZDolly is transforming cargo transport in our latest video. Watch it now on YouTube!

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.

 

“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,” said Richard Reno, CEO of TractEasy.

“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,” he concluded.
End.

About TractEasy
TractEasy is a joint venture between two industry leaders: ground support equipment manufacturer TLD and driverless technology provider EasyMile. It focuses on outdoor material handlingsolutions.

 

Its “EZTow” tow tractor can tow up to 14 tons (30,000lbs) autonomously using a range of sensors and cameras with real-time processing to navigate complex outdoor environments. It is the most-deployed autonomous tow tractor globally.

 

Since 2018, it has been used for indoor/outdoor operations in Europe, Asia and North America. This includes a number of major automotive manufacturing plants and logistics centers. It is also in use at major airports around the world for baggage handling and cargo operations.

TractEasy logo
EasyMile logo

About EasyMile

EasyMile is a leader in software and complete solutions for driverless transport. It partners with blue-chip manufacturers to autonomize their vehicles with award-winning technology built on safety-by-design, ready for deployment today, with clear client benefits.

 

Since 2014, the company has become known for quality delivery and real-world deployments. EasyMile’s proven technology has driven autonomously in 400+ locations in more than 30 countries, over 1, 000,000km.

 

With several mass operations around the world EasyMile was the first to deploy fully driverless at Level 4 of autonomous driving and has the highest number of remotely supervised operations (10+) on the market to date. It is also the first autonomous vehicle solutions provider to be ISO 9001:2015 certified.

 

EasyMile has more than 250 employees in four locations (Toulouse, Berlin, Denver and Singapore), doubling its headcount every 2 years.

About the EZDolly

The EZDolly is an innovative solution to aircraft cargo handling which increases safety and efficiency. The vehicle leverages mature technology from TLD and EasyMile.

 

Based on TLD’s reliable “TF” transporter platform, the EZDolly utilizes a proven, iBS-powered driveline and cargo conveying system capable of loading and unloading ULD’s without human intervention.

 

The EZDolly’s driverless system is evolved from EasyMile’s autonomous vehicle experience; EasyMile’s software is the most widely used autonomous vehicle solution in the world with more than 400 deployments and 600,000 miles driven autonomously. This proven technology allows the EZDolly to detect and safely stop for obstacles thereby improving safety and reducing equipment damage on the tarmac.

 

By combining TLD and EasyMile’s technologies, the EZDolly is built to endure the demanding conditions that operation on a ramp requires.

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

TractEasy
Benieke Treverton, Head of Communications
benieke.treverton@tracteasy.com

autonomous cargo dolly