Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America Unveils HubPilot: A Revolutionary Autonomous Distribution Yard Logistics Platform

27 August 2024

Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America today introduced the HubPilot autonomous distribution yard logistics platform as a service. This innovative technology, the first in the market to leverage a unique combination of software, on-vehicle sensing, and infrastructure-based perception with high-definition mapping for precise localization, is set to transform logistics and distribution centers.

“The HubPilot platform utilizes infrastructure-based perception in conjunction with rover perception to make the intelligent decisions necessary for industry-leading yard management,” said Mark Rakoski, vice president of advanced engineering at MEAA.

“This technology provides increased safety and security and optimizes logistics efficiency.”

Designed specifically for geofenced distribution centers and logistics hubs, the HubPilot platform employs optimized multi-sensor inputs on autonomous yard dogs, also known as rovers or terminal tractors. These sensors, combined with advanced software, allow the platform to visualize the yard dogs’ surroundings, identify assigned trailers, and confirm their locations using the HubPilot platform.

“Utilizing real-time data and visualization, the yard dogs autonomously connect with trailers and transports them to designated locations, all while maintaining constant awareness of their surroundings to avoid contact with stationary and moving objects, including people,” said Eyad Zeino, director of mobility at MEAA.

In addition, the HubPilot platform automates the connection of compressed air hoses to the trailer to operate the air brakes, eliminating the need for manual intervention each time a yard dog picks up or drops off a trailer. Trailers are virtually “tagged” so the HubPilot platform can track their location and movements in real time.

The platform interfaces with the yard management system (YMS) to receive commands, operating at SAE Level 4 autonomy. Yard dogs can also be operated manually by a driver with the platform maintaining the same security, safety, and optimization benefits.

Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America, Inc. was established in 1979 to serve the North American automotive, heavy-duty truck and coach business. Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America offers a wide range of products and services, including passenger entertainment systems, car navigation systems, screens, head units, amplifiers, and powertrain products such as starters and alternators. 
 

Source: businesswire.com