Supplied by manufacturer Westwell, the two battery-powered vehicles use LiDAR - a light sensing technology that creates a 3D map of an AT's surroundings using a laser and receiver, which, when combined with its on-board 360-degree cameras, provide real-time, all-round 'vision'.
This enables it to 'see' everything instantaneously in its vicinity to allow safe and accurate navigation. Supported by an Extreme Precise Position (EPP) system, the vehicles can achieve positioning accuracy of 2cm and a steering angle accuracy of 0.5 degrees.
Hutchison Ports said the ATs have been through a thorough commissioning and testing programme and will be used initially to transport containers between the Trinity and North Rail terminals at the UK’s largest container port.
Clemence Cheng, Chief Executive Officer at the Port of Felixstowe, commented: "These new autonomous trucks represent a significant technological step forward for the Port of Felixstowe. The tools underpinning port operations have evolved continuously and we already have a range of very advanced systems and equipment in place but this is the first time we will have wholly driverless vehicles.
He added: "Safety is our No.1 priority. This applies equally to technological developments and especially when introducing new equipment into live terminal operations. The ATs have a range of built-in safety features which will allow them to navigate effectively and safely within our container terminals."