Autonomous Driving of Heavy Loads Soon to Be Retrofitted

• Series project with technology advance developer Arnold NextG
• Strong demand for retrofitting existing fleets
• New strategy: achieving long-term growth through innovation

MAFI Transport-Systeme GmbH from Tauberbischofsheim in Baden-Württemberg is going one step further in retrofitting its heavy-duty tractor units with automated driving systems. Together with the technology advance developer Arnold NextG from Pfronstetten (Baden-Württemberg), all MAFI vehicle platforms can be retrofitted with a multi-redundant drive-by-wire system in the future. This vehicle-independent system solution makes it possible to control all driving functions digitally. The CEO of MAFI, Roland Hartwig, recently sealed the close cooperation with a company visit to the partner company.

The aim of the cooperation is to promote the retrofitting of existing vehicles in addition to new drive-by-wire vehicles ready for series production. MAFI intends to offer the plugand-play solution developed by Arnold NextG for its T230 and T230e terminal tractor units within the next three months. The first retrofitted vehicles have successfully passed the test. Use in other vehicle platforms is planned for the near future. “The advantage is obvious: automatically controlled or autonomously driving tractor units that maneuver containers or swap bodies in ports are independent of a driver. Among other things, this allows the operating times of the vehicles to be extended,” explained Hartwig. Applied to the entire fleet in a seaport, automation makes a noticeable contribution to reducing cost pressure.

Central Interface for Automated Operation

When drive-by-wire technology is used, all vehicle functions are controlled via a secure digital interface. This applies to the primary functions of longitudinal and lateral acceleration as well as secondary functions such as ignition, gear selection or indicators. The retrofitted tractors meet all safety standards in this area of application and can even be approved for road use. The system also offers displays status messages about the fuel level or tire pressure, as well as errors in the vehicle or the digital control system

New Strategy Focuses on Innovation

“In addition to the use of multifuel and electric drive systems, autonomous driving is the most important thrust of our vehicle development,” said the MAFI CEO. “In the upcoming innovation push of MAFI vehicles, but also of TREPEL for airport ground transportation, we will benefit from our many years of experience and expertise in all operational environments.” The company will implement its new strategy with highly innovative products that maintain their traditional strengths such as robustness and durability. The focus is on longterm growth through future-oriented technology and efficient production.

About Mafi and Trepel

MAFI Transport-Systeme GmbH and TREPEL Airport Equipment GmbH are leading manufacturers of specialized intralogistics vehicles. The products are used worldwide for loading in seaports, heavy industry and airport logistics. Both brands stand for premium products that are characterized by high quality and technical innovation. More than 500 employees work at the company headquarters in Tauberbischofsheim as well as in Wiesbaden and Bremerhaven. www.mafi.de, www.trepel.com

Julian Großkinsky, Business Development Manager

MAFI Transport-Systeme GmbH, Hochhäuser Straße 18, 97941 Tauberbischofsheim 

Phone: +49-9341-899-209, Mobil: +49 172 3778282, 

E-mail: julian.grosskinsky@mafi.de

About Arnold NextG GmbH

Arnold NextG implements the safety-by-wire® technology of tomorrow - whether on land, in the water or in the air. We offer the globally unique and multi-redundant central control unit NX NextMotion, which enables fail-safe and individual implementation. As an independent advance developer, incubator and system supplier, Arnold NextG takes care of planning and implementation - from vision to road approval. www.arnoldnextg.com