Read about Ona!

Ona's four pilot demonstrations: Spain, Hungary, Castelldefels & Germany

Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain

In June 2022, the streets of Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain, became the testing grounds for one of the most innovative urban delivery solutions: Ona. This pilot was a part of the European LogiSmile project, which seeks to revolutionize last-mile logistics by leveraging autonomous technology. The demonstration was a technical test and a highly publicized event, attended by key figures from Spain's government and academic sectors.

The pilot featured a carefully planned 750-meter route through the streets of Esplugues de Llobregat, specifically designed to challenge Ona's navigation and delivery capabilities in real-world conditions. Ona moved through a mix of pedestrian zones and low-traffic streets, demonstrating its ability to navigate complex urban environments. The route included the following key areas:

C/ Verge de la Mercè: A single-lane street with four pedestrian crossings and a speed limit of 30 km/h.
Boulevard C/ Verge de la Mercè: A bustling pedestrian boulevard with street furniture like benches and lamp posts, as well as restaurants and cafes, testing Ona’s ability to avoid static obstacles.
C/ Serra del Cadí: A dual-directional street with traffic signs and pedestrian crossings.
C/ Cedres and C/ Eucaliptus: These streets, both single-lane, presented Ona with varying gradients and speed limits, particularly the steep incline of C/ Eucaliptus.

Ona’s technological performance was the highlight of the event. This six-wheeled, fully electric vehicle is equipped with a range of sensors that allow it to perceive its environment and navigate autonomously. Ona uses 4G/5G communications to transmit data to a remote operator, who can monitor its performance and intervene if necessary. During the demonstration, Ona moved at a maximum speed of 1 m/s, a precautionary measure to ensure public safety.

The pilot was also a showcase of Ona's robust safety features. In addition to real-time monitoring, a safety pilot walked alongside the robot, ready to intervene if necessary. The robot is equipped with an emergency stop system that is triggered if the pilot moves more than five meters away. This safety protocol was tested successfully during the pilot.

The event attracted significant attention from both local and national authorities. Among the high-profile attendees were Raquel Sánchez Jiménez, Spain’s Minister of Transport, and Daniel Crespo, Rector of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia. Their participation underscored the importance of autonomous technology in addressing some of the most pressing challenges in urban logistics, such as reducing traffic congestion and emissions.

Regarding its technical capabilities, Ona performed flawlessly during the Esplugues de Llobregat demonstration. The robot completed its designated route, navigating through pedestrian zones and avoiding obstacles without requiring any manual intervention. It also showcased its storage compartment, which is almost as large as the robot itself, and its ability to handle last-mile delivery tasks by picking up and dropping off simulated packages.

The public's response to Ona was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees expressing excitement about the potential for this technology to improve urban delivery systems. By reducing the need for delivery trucks, Ona could significantly cut down on pollution and noise in city centers, while also streamlining the logistics process.

For Vaive Logistics, the Esplugues de Llobregat pilot was a resounding success. The event demonstrated not only the technological readiness of Ona but also the viability of using autonomous robots in dense urban environments. The data collected during the pilot will be instrumental in refining Ona’s capabilities and improving its functionality for future deployments.

In conclusion, the demonstration in Esplugues de Llobregat was a pivotal moment for Ona and the future of autonomous urban delivery. As the first major test of Ona’s capabilities in a real-world environment, the pilot provided valuable insights into both the technical performance of the robot and its acceptance by the public. Vaive Logistics continues to refine the technology, intending to make Ona a key player in the future of sustainable, efficient urban logistics.

Debrecen, Hungary

On November 17, 2022, Ona made its mark in Debrecen, Hungary, during the second significant pilot of the European LogiSmile project. This demonstration aimed to showcase Ona's capabilities in a different urban environment, further validating the technology's adaptability and effectiveness in last-mile logistics.

The pilot route in Debrecen was approximately 600 meters long and primarily covered the city center, which is known for its pedestrian-friendly streets. The demonstration route was designed to challenge Ona's navigation skills while operating in a bustling environment filled with pedestrians and local traffic. Most of the path was restricted to pedestrian access, requiring Ona to navigate through crowded areas carefully, while the last 150 meters intersected with a street accessible to both vehicles and pedestrians.

Ona was equipped with the same advanced sensors and navigation technology that had been tested in previous pilots. The robot autonomously perceived its environment and adjusted its movements in real-time, ensuring safety and efficiency. The autonomous vehicle utilized 4G/5G communication for data transmission and remote monitoring by operators, who were ready to intervene if necessary.

As part of the safety protocols, a safety pilot accompanied Ona during the demonstration. The pilot's role was to monitor the robot’s operations and ensure the safety of pedestrians. The emergency stop system was in place, which would halt Ona's movements if the pilot moved more than five meters away. This safety feature was crucial in maintaining public trust in autonomous technology.

The demonstration attracted considerable public interest and was attended by local officials, including the Mayor of Debrecen, who highlighted the importance of integrating innovative solutions like Ona into urban logistics. The event began with a presentation of Ona’s capabilities, showcasing its design and operational potential. Attendees were impressed by the robot's ability to navigate autonomously while interacting safely with pedestrians, showcasing a practical application of technology in urban settings.

Ona successfully completed the 600-meter route without manual intervention, proving its effectiveness in a mixed-traffic environment. The demonstration focused on the robot's capacity to deliver small packages and its ability to respond to dynamic urban challenges. The pilot further demonstrated how Ona could significantly enhance last-mile delivery efficiency, particularly in pedestrian-heavy areas where traditional delivery vehicles might struggle.

Feedback from attendees and the local community was overwhelmingly positive. The public expressed enthusiasm about the potential for autonomous robots to transform delivery services in Debrecen, potentially reducing traffic congestion and improving environmental sustainability.

For Vaive Logistics, the success of the Debrecen pilot solidified the viability of autonomous delivery systems in urban logistics. The insights gained from this demonstration will inform future developments of Ona, including enhancements to its navigation algorithms and safety features.

In summary, the pilot demonstration in Debrecen not only validated Ona's operational capabilities but also contributed to the broader conversation about the future of urban logistics. As cities continue to grapple with challenges related to transportation and emissions, innovations like Ona provide a promising pathway toward more sustainable and efficient delivery solutions.

University Campus Baix Llobregat, Castelldefels

Between October 2023 and March 2024, the University Campus Baix Llobregat in Castelldefels served as the testing ground for the autonomous delivery robot, Ona. This long-term pilot was significant for Vaive Logistics as it provided a controlled yet realistic environment to refine Ona's capabilities and operational performance. The campus featured a mix of pedestrian pathways, bicycle lanes, and roads, ideal for testing the robot's navigation in a semi-closed setting.

Throughout the six-month pilot, Ona was tasked with delivering packages across various routes that simulated real-life delivery scenarios. The testing routes were designed to incorporate different challenges, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of Ona's capabilities. Notably, three primary routes were used during the pilot, each presenting unique navigation challenges.

The first route, marked in green, led Ona through a pedestrian area requiring careful navigation around foot traffic and obstacles, including street furniture. The second route, highlighted in red, involved traveling along a street with vehicle access, testing Ona's ability to adjust to changing traffic conditions. The third route, marked in orange, presented additional challenges such as inclines and narrow passages.

Ona's technical performance was closely monitored during the pilot. The robot is equipped with advanced sensors that enable it to perceive its surroundings, make decisions, and navigate autonomously. Additionally, Ona utilizes 4G/5G communication technology for real-time data sharing with operators who oversee the robot's operations from a control center. The presence of a safety pilot remained a key aspect of the demonstration, ensuring a human element in the oversight of the robot's operations.

Throughout the pilot, Ona demonstrated its ability to adapt to various environments, adjusting its speed and route as necessary to ensure safe and efficient deliveries. The data collected during these tests provided valuable insights into the robot's performance, allowing the development team to refine its algorithms and operational protocols.

The pilot was well-received by the university community, with many students and staff expressing excitement about the potential for autonomous delivery solutions on campus. The demonstration provided an opportunity for the public to interact with Ona and learn about the technology driving its operations. Students and staff were able to observe Ona's navigation skills firsthand, engaging with the robot and providing feedback on their experiences.

As part of the ongoing development, feedback from the community was actively sought to understand the public's perception of autonomous delivery systems. This input will be instrumental in shaping future deployments of Ona and similar technologies in urban settings. Discussions held with students and staff provided valuable insights into their expectations and concerns regarding the use of autonomous vehicles for deliveries.

In conclusion, the long-term pilot at the University Campus Baix Llobregat not only validated Ona’s capabilities in a real-world environment but also highlighted the potential for integrating autonomous delivery solutions within educational institutions. The success of this pilot reinforces Vaive Logistics’ commitment to innovation and sustainability in urban logistics. As cities increasingly embrace technology to meet modern delivery challenges, Ona stands poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of efficient and environmentally friendly urban logistics.

Braunschweig, Germany

On March 22, 2024, Ona participated in a critical pilot demonstration in Braunschweig, Germany, marking the culmination of the European LogiSmile project. This event was designed to test the coordination between Ona and another autonomous vehicle known as the "Hub Vehicle," showcasing the potential for multi-vehicle systems in urban logistics.

The demonstration involved a carefully planned sequence of operations that highlighted Ona's capabilities in an urban environment. The mission began at a designated loading point where the Hub Vehicle delivered packages to Ona. Following the loading phase, Ona navigated autonomously to two delivery points before returning to its base. This sequence tested Ona's ability to operate seamlessly alongside another autonomous vehicle, emphasizing the importance of coordination in future logistics systems.

Ona’s performance during the pilot was closely monitored, demonstrating its advanced navigation and perception capabilities. Equipped with a suite of sensors and 4G/5G communication technology, Ona was able to adapt its route in real-time based on environmental conditions. The robot’s built-in emergency stop system, as well as the presence of a safety pilot, ensured that safety protocols were followed throughout the demonstration.

The event attracted considerable attention from local officials, industry stakeholders, and the public, all eager to see how autonomous technology could reshape urban logistics. The Mayor of Braunschweig and representatives from the project’s funding bodies were present, underscoring the significance of this pilot for the future of autonomous delivery in Europe.

Throughout the pilot, Ona demonstrated its ability to navigate complex urban environments, avoid obstacles, and successfully complete deliveries in coordination with the Hub Vehicle. The positive results of this demonstration highlighted the potential for a future where multiple autonomous vehicles can operate together efficiently, significantly improving last-mile logistics.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing enthusiasm about the capabilities of autonomous delivery robots. This pilot not only validated Ona's technical performance but also contributed to the broader discussion about the integration of autonomous systems into urban infrastructure.

As the LogiSmile project draws to a close, the insights gained from the Braunschweig pilot will play a crucial role in informing future developments of Ona and similar technologies. The success of this demonstration further solidifies Vaive Logistics' commitment to innovating sustainable and efficient urban logistics solutions.

In summary, the Braunschweig demonstration served as a pivotal moment for Ona, showcasing its potential in a multi-vehicle logistics system and reinforcing the viability of autonomous delivery robots in urban settings. As cities continue to evolve, innovations like Ona represent a promising pathway toward more efficient, sustainable, and automated urban logistics.