AI at the wheel
Routing by algorithm. The two corporations Unikie and Deutsche Telekom are joining forces in the field of AI and network technology. Their aim is to advance automated driving in enclosed industrial and logistics sites.
Unikie, a software corporation from Finland, recently announced a global partnership with the German telecommunications provider Telekom. “The aim is to revolutionise automated vehicle control,” Unikie said.
The partnership focuses on implementing automated driving in enclosed areas such as depots, warehouses, logistics facilities and industrial plants. To this end, the companies plan to leverage existing synergies.
Controlled by a digital twin
The ‘Unikie Marshalling Solution’ (UMS) is designed to manage the vehicles involved. This technology creates a digital version of the site, which enables it to “manage vehicles precisely and safely – even in confined, high-traffic zones with mixed operations, or in poor visibility”, the firm said.
The technology combines a range of features to allow precise control. These include cameras, lidar and radar sensors, AI-based image processing and real-time edge computing.
The system is built on the ISO 23374 vehicle control framework. The enterprise already demonstrated the UMS at the International Motor Show in Munich (Germany) in 2021, and in the ‘Autolog’ project launched in Emden (Germany) in 2024.
“The solution integrates seamlessly with Deutsche Telekom’s state-of-the-art 5G network and mobile edge cloud computing infrastructure,” Unikie said.
Partners aiming to harness synergies
“We’re very pleased with the partnership with Deutsche Telekom, which allows us to roll out our automated shunting solutions globally,” said Vesa Kiviranta, chief business officer at Unikie.
Through this cooperation, the corporation can combine its expertise in AI and automation with Telekom’s advanced network technology.
“We’re the only ones who can deliver the complete package of SIM card, network, edge cloud and system integration from a single source,” added Christian Hort, senior vice-president for automotive activities at T-Systems.
He too highlighted the potential synergies arising from the project between the two entities. These, Kiviranta added, “are substantially driving innovation and efficiency in the exciting field of automated driving.”