NJORD

Project Background and Scope

The logistics sector is undergoing a radical transformation toward autonomously operating electric trucks, responsible for transporting goods on fixed routes between logistics hubs and customers. To achieve this, entire fleets of trailers must either be converted or replaced to make them compatible with autonomous trucks. This transformation poses not only an operational challenge for logistics companies but also represents a significant financial burden for both the companies and the environment.

This challenge arises from the diverse types of trailers currently in operation, each designed to fulfill specific tasks. Consequently, trailers exhibit considerable diversity in dimensions, form factors, and features.

Our solution aims to facilitate a quick and effortless transition to autonomous logistics in the future, while concurrently addressing the environmental impact associated with such a transformation. The product we designed incorporates several features focused on maintenance and repairability, aiming to minimize the environmental impact of electronic products as much as possible.

Methods

During the initial stages of the project and collaboration, we had the opportunity to conduct several field studies, collaborating with various companies working in the logistics field. During these visits, we interviewed personnel from each company, gaining valuable insights that we later utilized in the project

to design more relevant solutions. We also visited Einride to personally experience how autonomous electric vehicles work and to gain a glimpse of the complexity involved.

After a thorough initial research phase and sharing our learnings through brainstorming sessions among each student, each individual student selected a topic that sparked their interest the most. Having chosen our respective topics, we delved deeper into research to understand how sensors work and identify relevant design opportunities. During this phase, the chance to interview experts at Einride proved extremely valuable. We used the knowledge shared by engineers working in the Vision Team of the company to validate our initial assumptions and ideas.

Later, we further developed our initial ideas into three more defined and diverse concepts. With feedback from the Einride design team, we narrowed down our concepts to only one. To validate and refine it further, we conducted ideation sessions, selecting the scope and scenario of the concept. Through these sessions, we identified the key features that our concept needed to include. Creating 1:1 scale mockups allowed us to understand the dimensions and complexity of the product, testing the ergonomics and interaction with all the components of the bar.

Once we defined all the components and rough dimensions, we entered an iteration phase, experimenting with various shapes and features through sketches and quick CAD modeling. After a sharing session with the Einride team, we adjusted our results accordingly and created the final version of the CAD model and the final 3D printed models. These were later used to generate all the visuals for the final presentation.

Results

Our final solution, Njord, comprises both a service and a product to streamline the transition to autonomy for interested companies. The service facilitates onboarding through a straightforward process that not only manages a fleet of trailers but also uses AR features to help customers visualize the trailers before conversion. The service offers various upgrade packages, allowing clients to decide which trailers to convert and which features to include. This targeted and customized approach aims to attract more clients interested in upgrading their fleets.

The second step involves installing the product on existing trailers. Following configuration and registration through the service, an operator can initiate the mounting process. On the back of the bar, a mounting bracket with multiple mounting holes ensures universal compatibility with every type of trailer.

After connecting the 16-pin cable for power and data transfer to the tractor unit, modular sensors are assembled based on the client's configuration. Calibration through the app-service renders the bar fully operational.

The bar prioritizes reliability and safety, incorporating a redundancy system for the sensors. This ensures continued safe operation in case of any issues, preventing accidents and operational delays. The bar

remains vigilant of its surroundings, enhancing safety through indicator sounds and lights during interactions with pedestrians and other vehicles. Even when parked, the bar's vision remains active thanks to an integrated battery, promoting cargo safety and deterring theft.

Maintenance features include spray nozzles for sensor cleaning and defrosting, along with hot-swappable modular sensors for easy replacements in case of failure. This design allows Einride operators to hot-swap sensors, reducing maintenance costs and minimizing operational delays.