4-week trial evaluating the performance of an SAE level 2 single autonomous class 8 truck

FPInnovations’ Autonomous Transportation team has successfully completed a 4-week trial dedicated to evaluating the performance of an SAE level 2 single autonomous class 8 truck on paved roads in Québec. The autonomous capable truck was supplied by Canadian technology provider, NuPort Robotics, and testing was executed in collaboration with two FPInnovations’ members, Domtar and Chantiers Chibougamau. All tests were carried out with a safety driver present and ready to take control if required. 

NuPort’s vehicle accumulated 1200 km in autonomous mode in winter conditions along one of Chantiers’ operational routes, and an additional 1500km on one of Domtar’s corridors. The truck had a trailer attached during part of the testing, and approximately 13,000 kg of bio-products (wood chips and bark) were delivered to both sites, in temperatures as low as -41 °C.  

Despite some challenges, FPInnovations organized three demonstration days to present Québec’s first unique single autonomous vehicle test program in a forest operational context. The demonstrations welcomed not only representatives from Domtar and Chantiers Chibougamau, but also contractors, funders, and Québec regulators. This project was supported by NRCan and the MRNF (Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts du Québec).   

Following the results of this test program, FPInnovations now plans to move away from short-term trials and focus on long-term pilots executed on FPInnovations identified corridors with the end goal of operational implementation. Discussions are currently underway in other provinces with regulators and a well-established technology provider who is eager to supply an autonomous solution for one of FPInnovations’ key forestry members.