Kalmar and Forterra Sign Joint Development Agreement for Autonomous Terminal Tractor

Kalmar, part of Cargotec, and Forterra (formerly RRAI) have signed a joint development agreement for autonomous terminal tractor solutions. Kalmar will be responsible for developing the automation-ready terminal tractor – including the drive-by-wire solution integration – as well as the Kalmar One fleet management system to manage the operation of automated terminal tractor fleets. Forterra will be responsible for the integration of their AutoDrive® platform for autonomous operations for the terminal tractor.

Forterra is a leading provider of autonomous systems for ground-based movement in the working world. The company is among the earliest innovators in the field of driverless technology. The company has provided autonomous solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense and off highway commercial applications, and its AutoDrive® system is one of the leading driverless systems for complex conditions including ports and logistics centers.

Josh Araujo, CEO, Forterra: “This agreement brings together our vast experience in developing world-class autonomous systems and Kalmar’s extensive experience in port and terminal automation with their market-leading terminal tractor product. We believe AutoDrive® is the best platform to create a compelling new offering for the container and trailer-handling market.”

Juuso Kanner, Vice President, Automation Business Line, Kalmar: “We believe that automated operations will eventually become the standard in the container-handling industry, and there is huge potential in automating terminal tractors in terms of safety and productivity. This development agreement is the next exciting step in our innovation journey after the successful Kalmar RoboTractor pilot done in Norway and utilizing the learnings we took from that. Now we will leverage our extensive experience in straddle carrier automation, which has been adopted by a number of leading container terminals around the world. Forterra’s position as a global leader in autonomous driving systems makes them the ideal partner for this exciting initiative.”

Further information for the press:

Juuso Kanner, Vice President, Automation Business Line, Kalmar, juuso.kanner@kalmarglobal.com

Maija Eklöf, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Kalmar, tel. +358 20 777 4096, maija.eklof@kalmarglobal.com

Sean Rushton, Shadowlawn Communications (for Forterra), tel. +1 202 487 6439,
sean@shadowlawncomms.com

Kalmar is the global leader in sustainable cargo handling for ports, terminals, distribution centres and heavy industry. With our extensive electric portfolio and global service network, we help our customers move towards safer, more eco-efficient and productive operations. Together, we develop innovative solutions that shape the future of our industry, improving our customers’ every move. www.kalmarglobal.com  

Kalmar is part of Cargotec. Cargotec's (Nasdaq Helsinki: CGCBV) sales in 2023 totalled approximately EUR 4.6 billion and it employs around 11,400 people. www.cargotec.com

Forterra is the U.S. military's top provider of self-driving vehicles, from large combat trucks to small equipment transports and mobile missile systems. Its specialty is driverless operations in austere, off-highway, and industrial environments. www.forterra.com

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