- Deutsche Telekom and Unikie have launched an automated vehicle logistics solution at Volkswagen’s Emden terminal, using 5G-connected vehicles controlled via edge-cloud and sensor systems.
- The project aims to scale in Europe, targeting industries such as transport depots, ports, and forestry, addressing pressures on efficiency and labour shortages.
What happened: Deutsche Telekom and Unikie partner on automated vehicle logistics
Deutsche Telekom has joined forces with Finnish software specialist Unikie to advance automated vehicle logistics, starting with a partnership at Volkswagen’s AutoLog terminal in Emden, Germany. Unikie’s Marshalling Solution (UMS) uses LiDAR sensors, cameras, radar and edge cloud computing to direct industrial vehicles safely and precisely—even in crowded or low-visibility areas. The vehicles connect via SIM-enabled 5G to Deutsche Telekom’s network, enabling near real-time control, while the edge cloud infrastructure supports low-latency and secure communication.
Initially focused on the Emden site, the partnership plans to expand across Europe, targeting use cases such as vehicle production and logistics, bus and tram depots, parcel distribution centres, ports, and forestry operations.
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Why it’s important
The collaboration taps into growing demand for logistics automation amid workforce shortages and rising efficiency needs. Combining Unikie’s autonomous-driving software with Deutsche Telekom’s 5G and edge-cloud capabilities offers a scalable solution for industrial environments. While the current focus is commercial logistics, the technology’s adaptability suggests potential broader applications across sectors and regions.
