Autonomous-only logistics vehicle planned for mid-2025

THE SIXTH Generation Blanc Robot is designed for autonomous-only operations. Manufactured with no cabin and a configurable table-top chassis for a variety of jobs, the Blanc Robot can help solve global driver shortages in last mile logistics and is capable of operating in industrial applications where tasks by a traditional driver may be considered dull, dirty, difficult or dangerous. 

Applied EV is ready to complete the assembly of the first 100 Blanc Robot vehicles, with all the body structures manufactured by Suzuki Motor Corporation, now shipped from Japan. 

The vehicle is based on the Suzuki’s long wheelbase “Jimny” platform. Customers can expect double or triple shift up time from an autonomous Blanc Robot, says the firm.

All functions and features are software controlled including three Applied EV secure interfaces, Applied EV Drive API (autonomous and AI driving software), Applied EV App Space API (non-driving vehicle functions) and Applied EV Cloud API (secure data and diagnostics for 3rd party applications). 

Applied EV chief executive officer Julian Broadbent, says: “The demand for autonomous vehicle fleets that integrate seamlessly into both emerging logistics companies and established enterprises has never been stronger.

“While transportation businesses are eager to adopt cutting-edge technologies, they require complete, real and actual ‘solutions’ to drive meaningful implementation at scale. Applied EV, in collaboration with our partners, has addressed this challenge with a turnkey solution. 

“Powered by software, our vehicles come in a range of sizes and can be tailored for unique autonomous driving applications. The Blanc Robot marks the first purpose-built autonomous vehicle released for scale, produced by Suzuki and running on Applied EV software. The first 100 production units are underway in Australia, with the capacity to scale to tens of thousands to meet demand.”