Essen street closed for self-driving trailer tests by German company

The Duiventorenstraat in Essen, Belgium, has been temporarily closed to traffic as a German company conducts crucial tests on its self-driving trailers. Actemium Handling Solutions, based in Essen, is using the industrial site to test its Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), which are heavy-duty trailers designed for logistics operations.

These AGVs are engineered to operate autonomously within industrial environments, but the current tests are focused on their performance in real-world traffic conditions. Jens Deckers from Actemium Handling Solutions explained that outdoor operation presents less predictable challenges compared to controlled indoor factory settings. "Thanks to the municipality of Essen, we can test them in a real traffic environment," Deckers stated, highlighting the importance of these trials for ensuring the vehicles' safety and reliability outside of enclosed spaces.

Actemium Handling Solutions is developing and building these specialized AGVs, capable of lifting and moving loads up to 500 tons, such as large pallets or steel plates. The company, which employs 65 people, is one of only five players globally that can manufacture these heavy-duty, customized AGVs. The cost of each vehicle ranges between 300,000 and 600,000 euros.

During the testing phase, the Duiventorenstraat is closed during the day. Deckers assured that two company employees are always present on-site, and that local residents, workers, cyclists, and pedestrians can still access the area. The tests are vital for gathering data and refining the technology before the AGVs are deployed for their intended use by a German client.

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Dankzij de gemeente Essen kunnen we ze in een echte verkeersomgeving testen.