Toronto-based startup NuPort Robotics Inc., Canada’s first autonomous trucking company, and Canadian National retailer Canadian Tire Corp. and have announced a partnership with the Ontario government to invest $3 million to undertake an automated heavy-duty trucking project to test a first-of-its-kind technology.
The breakthrough technology provides a transportation solution for the middle mile, the short-haul shuttle runs that semi-tractor trailers make between distribution centers, warehouses, and terminals each day. It is designed to enable next-generation automated trucks that are more fuel-efficient, safer to operate, and provide an enhanced driver experience.
The two-year project is backed by $1 million in support from the Ontario government through Ontario’s Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network (AVIN) and matched by $1 million investments each from Canadian Tire and NuPort Robotics. It will apply proprietary AI (artificial intelligence) technology from NuPort Robotics to retrofit two conventional semi-tractor trailers—which will always be attended by a driver—with high-tech sensors and controls, a touchscreen navigation system, and other advanced features such as obstacle and collision avoidance.
“Ontarians rely on goods being delivered by trucks across the province every day, and projects like this are demonstrating the ways that automated truck technology could help businesses meet delivery demands more efficiently while supporting a strong supply chain in Ontario,” said Caroline Mulroney, Ontario Minister of Transportation.
AVIN is an initiative by the Government of Ontario, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), designed to reinforce Ontario’s position as a North American leader in transportation technology and infrastructure systems. Through resources such as research and development support, talent development, technology acceleration, business and technical supports, and demonstration grounds, it is intended to provide a competitive advantage to Ontario-based automotive and mobility technology companies.
“This project applies unique and made-in-Ontario artificial intelligence technology that offers increased safety and efficiency, with a reduced carbon footprint, to the goods supply chains on which we all rely,” said Vic Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “This is the latest example of how Ontario’s Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network acts as a catalyst, fostering partnerships between ambitious technology startups and industry to develop and commercialize next-generation transportation technologies that strengthen our economy and benefit society.”
The trucks are currently transporting goods between a Canadian Tire distribution center in the Greater Toronto Area and nearby rail terminals within a 12.5-mi radius, and early results are promising.
“The aim of the project is to develop a system that incorporates an autopilot feature for conventional trucks with a driver, leading to the most efficient way to drive and increase safety,” said Raghavender Sahdev, CEO of NuPort Robotics. “The sensors work as a ‘safety cocoon’ to cover blind spots and prevent accidents and the end result is peak fuel efficiency, meaning lower carbon emissions and peak driving performance for an overall more optimal transportation experience.”
NuPort Robotic was founded in 2019 by Sahdev and Bao Xin Chen, CTO. Its staff includes some of Canada’s leading roboticists and artificial intelligence (AI) professionals to improve transportation safety, increase efficiency, and reduce costs for clients in retail, logistics, and manufacturing. The company’s proprietary AI technology allows existing trucks to drive autonomously for short distances and is suited for high-frequency, repetitive short-haul shuttle runs between distribution centers, warehouses, and terminals. It has established extensive partnerships with industry-leading sensor suppliers, OEMs, technology providers, and research/academic institutions, which are said to give it an edge in the industry.
The company’s approach to autonomous trucking is unique in the industry because it focuses only on solving the middle-mile challenge, using a known set of predetermined trucking routes that are repetitive and high frequency as opposed to general highway driving. Ultimately, when implemented on fixed routes in the future, Canadian Tire will benefit from faster commercial deployments and improvements in supply chain sustainability.
“Canadian Tire embraces innovation and is always testing new technologies to improve our operational efficiency and safety,” said Gary Fast, Vice President of Transportation, Canadian Tire. “As proud Canadian companies, the safety of all stakeholders, including drivers, employees, customers, and public will be the top priority as we work together towards deployment of this technology.”
Canadian Tire Corp., Ltd. is a family of businesses that includes a retail segment, a financial services division, and CT REIT. Its retail business is led by Canadian Tire, founded in 1922, but it also owns and operates Helly Hansen, a leading global brand in sportswear and workwear based in Oslo, Norway. Over the last three years, Canadian Tire has made a significant effort to solve complex business problems by using the Canadian startup artificial intelligence ecosystem.
“NuPort Robotics exemplifies what we look for in a startup with a focus on innovation, automation, and artificial intelligence,” added Cari Covent, Vice President of Intelligent Automation, Canadian Tire.
“As NuPort Robotics continues to develop new technologies to overcome middle-mile supply-chain problems and advance autonomous trucking, I am extremely grateful for the support of the Ontario Government through AVIN and the Ontario Centre of Innovation,” Sahdev said. “With their continued support, we are striving to position Canada as the leader in autonomous transportation.”
