Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America (MEAA) today introduced the HubPilot™ autonomous distribution yard logistics platform as a service (PaaS). 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.

Road to Autonomy

Rakoski noted that airports, shipping ports, and large manufacturing facilities—anywhere that trailers and goods are moved—represent additional potential applications for the HubPilot platform, which serves as another steppingstone toward broader autonomy on streets and highways.

“The HubPilot platform will help alleviate the increasing driver shortage and improve safety, security, and working conditions,” Zeino said. “The technology can be used anywhere there are moving vehicles, and the infrastructure-mounted LIDAR eliminates blind spots that can’t be avoided with on-vehicle technology. A busy yard has a lot of different vehicles and trailers moving simultaneously, and the HubPilot platform provides a safe way for the rovers and trailers to navigate.”

Safety and Security

The HubPilot platform integrates sensors on both the vehicles and the infrastructure—such as buildings or poles—within the yard, enabling two-way communication that enhances safety and efficiency. Unlike competing models that have sensors only on the vehicles, the HubPilot platform provides full coverage of the area, eliminating blind spots and even detecting pedestrians in the yard.

MEAA engineered the HubPilot platform with advanced safety and cybersecurity measures to prevent the platform from interference from outside sources or from being accessed by hackers. It also improves security within the yard by providing 24/7 monitoring, which reduces theft and vandalism.

MEAA continues in the development phase of the HubPilot Platform in 2024 and will be fully operational in 2025. MEAA plans to initially launch the HubPilot platform in the North American market, but the platform has the potential for global deployment.