Autonomous yard operations receive a pioneering safety system development from Outrider
In a significant stride towards autonomous logistics, Outrider, a leading technology developer specialising in autonomous yard operations for logistics hubs, has announced the initial deployment of its latest-generation driverless yard trucks. The rollout is scheduled to begin with select enterprise customers in the second half of 2025 [1][3][4].
Outrider's innovative system, which drives autonomous terminal tractors, is equipped with advanced artificial intelligence, enabling it to handle complex logistics yard movements with precision. The system boasts 14 distinct safety mechanisms, addressing over 200,000 yard-specific hazards [1]. It can detect environmental anomalies, override unsafe behaviours, and stop vehicles when necessary, ensuring a safe and efficient operation [1].
The Outrider safety system also features redundant hazard detection, fail-safe hardware redundancies, and real-time health monitoring capabilities, ensuring a robust and reliable performance [1]. This system operates on electric truck platforms, offering enhanced safety, stability, and lower total cost of ownership compared to diesel alternatives [1].
The electric autonomous yard tractors are complementary technologies that have become increasingly prevalent in terminal operations. Fleet electrification has been more established in terminal operations since the mid-2010s, with EV terminal tractors being in use among large OEMs [2]. Outrider notes that the EVs meet, exceed, or show lower total cost of ownership than diesel trucks, primarily due to maintenance issues and fuel cost [1].
Unlike teleoperated solutions, Outrider's autonomous vehicles operate independently alongside manual drivers, over-the-road trucks, and pedestrians in distribution facilities [1]. Once deployed, these fully driverless terminal tractors will work alongside human drivers, over-the-road trucks, and occasional pedestrians in distribution centres [1].
Andrew Smith, founder and CEO of Outrider, stated that the company has been operating with both human drivers and safety observers for several years [1]. He also highlighted that the systems feature automated charging during off-peak distribution cycles, reducing operational downtime [1].
Outrider's technology is offered as a subscription service, including the autonomy stack, cloud-based management software, automated trailer inventory tracking, and 24/7 support [1]. Orders for deployments in 2026 and 2027 are currently being accepted by Outrider [1].
The latest-generation driverless yard trucks from Outrider are equipped with the company's proprietary functional safety approach for driverless movement in mixed traffic trailer yards, which has been validated by TÜV SÜD [1]. This validation underscores Outrider's commitment to safety and reliability in its autonomous operations.
[1] Outrider [2] Fleet Electrification [3] Driverless Yard Trucks [4] Initial Deployment
The introduction of Outrider's latest-generation driverless yard trucks, equipped with advanced technology, marks a significant step in the finance sector, as these autonomous vehicles are expected to reduce operational costs through lower maintenance and fuel consumption. Furthermore, the technology's safety system, featuring 14 distinct mechanisms, emphasizes the importance of safety in the intersection of industry and technology, addressing over 200,000 yard-specific hazards.
