Autonomous transport systems: Vinter-Hugo

The research project aims to develop and evaluate autonomous transport services using the transport robot Vinter-Hugo.

The goal is to create safer, more efficient, and sustainable transport solutions that function in winter conditions, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and strengthening Sweden’s supply preparedness.

The project consists of four work packages: service design, winter adaptation of the robot, demonstrations in winter conditions, and an evaluation of its potential in mobilisation, preparedness, and food supply logistics. Test runs are conducted in Umeå and Skellefteå, and the project is carried out in collaboration with various partners from industry, academia, and the public sector.

From a research perspective, the project contributes to knowledge about autonomous transport robots in winter environments, an area previously studied mainly on asphalt. It is also highly relevant to society due to its potential to improve rural transport, for example, in food deliveries and elderly care. The transport robots can also be used for other purposes, such as road scanning and surveillance.

The project is led by the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI). At the Swedish Defence University, guest professor Daniel Ekwall is the project leader.