LOXO expands into Germany with self-driving logistics subsidiary – The Robot Report

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LOXO’s Migronomous delivery service demonstrated the Alpha self-driving vehicle. Source: Schindler Group

LOXO AG today opened its first international subsidiary in Munich, Germany. The Bern, Switzerland-based company has developed and deployed software-as-a-service, or SaaS, systems to provide autonomy to delivery vehicles.

“Germany is a natural next step for LOXO as we continue our mission to revolutionize commercial vehicle automation in Europe,” said Amin Amini, CEO of LOXO. “Germany’s strong logistics market, advanced automotive infrastructure, and progressive legislation surrounding autonomous vehicles make it the ideal location for us to further our middle-mile and mobile distribution projects.”

Amin Amini, Lara Amini, and Claudio Panizza founded the company in 2018. LOXO claimed that its vehicle-agnostic LOXO Digital Driver (LDD) software can give nearly any commercial vehicle SAE Level 4 autonomy.

In addition, the company operates its own fleet of logistics vehicles, the electric LOXO Alpha and LOXO R1.

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LOXO begins with autonomous deliveries in Bern

LOXO recently rolled out what it said was Europe’s first L4 self-driving technology, which is operational on public roads in Bern. The company, which began with remote operation, has authorized autonomous driving routes spanning 65 km (40 mi.) within the city.

“The LDD software serves as the core of every autonomous operation, combining advanced AI with an autonomous sensor stack to enable vehicles to drive autonomously,” explained the company on its website. “Our virtual mapping approach significantly enhances scalability, ensuring operations remain fast and cost-effective.”

Last year, it conducted projects with Schindler Group and Migros, Switzerland’s largest online retailer. Its autonomous vehicles are currently proving their capabilities in projects with Planzer, a major Swiss logistics company.

German middle-mile market presents an opportunity

“Germany’s middle-mile logistics sector, valued at approximately $379.89 billion in 2023 and projected to surpass $504 billion by 2032, has enormous untapped potential,” asserted LOXO. “The repetitive nature of middle-mile routes between business hubs presents an ideal opportunity for autonomous driving solutions.”

Lara Amini, co-founder and current chief business officer of LOXO Switzerland, will lead the new Munich subsidiary.

“We’re not just focused on replacing traditional vehicles with autonomous ones. Our goal is to foster innovation that will catalyze the transformation of the entire logistics sector,” said Lara Amini. “By collaborating with local partners and tapping into Germany’s pool of talent, we aim to take LOXO’s successful model and scale it across new markets.”

The company said its expansion into Germany signals its commitment to advancing autonomous driving in one of Europe’s largest logistics markets. It said it aims to further integrate its vehicles into the supply chain and advance the state of commercial vehicle automation.