Outrider, a leader in autonomous yard operations, has launched the first enterprise-class support services aimed at enhancing the performance and uptime of driverless yard operations. This initiative is designed to facilitate the commercial rollout of the Outrider System, expected in 2026. With these services, the company aims to help Fortune 500 businesses maximize their return on investment in automation technologies.
The global market for autonomous yard and shuttle operations is currently valued at an estimated $64 billion. According to research from ABI Research, this market is projected to expand at a remarkable 52.7 percent annual growth rate through 2030. This growth is largely driven by large enterprises looking to implement yard automation to lower costs, enhance efficiency, and improve safety measures.
Innovative Support Services for Automation
Outrider’s support services blend self-reliant, autonomous capabilities with technical assistance, streamlining the adoption of driverless technology. These capabilities include locating misplaced trailers and identifying available parking spots. Furthermore, the system can automatically signal to site personnel when human intervention is necessary, such as clearing obstructed areas or conducting preventative maintenance.
The Outrider System is equipped with self-diagnostic capabilities that monitor the health of autonomous electric vehicles. This includes tracking charge levels, usage patterns, and the number of trailer or container moves, exceeding the capabilities of traditional yard truck telematics. If the system encounters problems it cannot resolve independently, Outrider’s technical support team—composed of trained specialists—stands ready to assist in quick resolutions.
Enhancing Efficiency and Longevity
Bob Hall, Chief Operating Officer at Outrider, emphasized the collaboration between robots and humans: “Robots are very good at completing repetitive, manual tasks in inhospitable environments like logistics yards. Humans are good at solving edge cases.” This synergy allows the support model to leverage the strengths of both technology and human expertise, enabling robots to learn and adapt to increasingly complex situations.
The Outrider System not only boosts yard productivity but also prolongs the life of the electric vehicle platforms and customers’ trailer fleets. This is achieved through consistent driving patterns, gentle tractor-trailer coupling, and smooth docking processes, all of which contribute to reducing wear and tear on equipment.
Outrider’s introduction of these support services follows a year marked by significant achievements, including attaining SOC 2 Type 2 certification and passing a safety review by TÜV SÜD. These milestones further enhance Outrider’s market position and support its continued growth among Fortune 500 clients in sectors such as package shipping, e-commerce, retail, consumer packaged goods, and manufacturing.
As the logistics industry evolves, Outrider is positioned to play a critical role in the transformation of yard operations, paving the way for increased automation and efficiency in the sector.
