Velodyne Lidar announces agreement with TLD

Velodyne Lidar, Inc. announced a three-year agreement with TLD, a global leader in ground support equipment.

TLD uses Velodyne’s LiDAR sensors in production of its TractEasy autonomous electric baggage tractor that enables a significant increase in productivity, efficiency and labor savings in airport and industrial operations.

TLD will grow its groundbreaking TractEasy tractor fleet with Velodyne’s state-of-the-art sensors for safe and efficient navigation on roadways in a variety of weather conditions. TractEasy is a zero-emission tow tractor that transfers baggage and freight from airport terminals to aircraft areas, on service roads, with a driverless approach. It can also handle ground transportation of goods at industrial sites and logistics centers – both indoor and outdoor. TractEasy can drive up to 25 km/h and has a maximum traction capacity of 25 tons.

“Velodyne’s high performing sensors help TractEasy navigate and manoeuvre in complex and live ramp environments to move cargo in a safe, reliable way and does not require any infrastructure change,” said Nicolas Verin, CEO TLD-Europe. “Velodyne’s LiDAR solutions power our tractors to increase productivity and reduce operational costs in airport baggage handling.”

“TractEasy is a market-leading driverless, electric tow tractor that significantly increases operational flexibility and efficiency for ground transportation of goods,” said Erich Smidt, Executive Director Europe, Velodyne Lidar. “These tractors demonstrate how Velodyne LiDAR sensors provide the range and field of view needed to gain visibility on what’s ahead on dynamic roadways, and detect and avoid potential obstacles for safe logistics operations.”

Velodyne’s surround-view LiDAR solutions produce data-rich images with the ability to detect low reflectivity objects. These sensors are optimised for outstanding indoor/outdoor performance, operating in a variety of light conditions. By combining high-resolution 3D perception with a broad vertical field of view, Velodyne’s lidar sensors enable accurate detection of crosswalks, curbs and obstacles in roadway settings.