A major step toward autonomous freight transport has been taken with the completion of the ATLAS-L4 research project, in which a broad consortium of partners from industry, academia, software, and infrastructure has worked together to design a safety framework for self-driving trucks. The initiative, launched three years ago with financial support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, aims to make driverless hub-to-hub logistics a safe reality on public roads.
One of the central contributions came from TÜV Süd, whose specialists were entrusted with verifying the safety simulations that underpin the project’s concept. These simulations form the digital foundation for predicting how autonomous trucks will react in different traffic environments. To ensure accuracy, TÜV Süd combined simulation analysis with practical testing on a real vehicle at a proving ground. This blend of virtual and physical validation helps confirm that the systems behave reliably not just on screen, but also under real operating conditions.
For Emmeram Klotz, who heads testing and global homologation services within TÜV Süd’s mobility division, the project is a milestone in preparing autonomous trucks for commercial deployment. “We are pleased to have been part of this important initiative from the very beginning,” he explained. “Through our infrastructure and testing capabilities, we developed systems and a safety approach that will influence future standards for hub-to-hub autonomous commercial vehicles. The groundwork is laid—we are ready to see the first trucks operating autonomously on the road.”
The company’s involvement stretched across multiple domains, including type approval, functional safety, cybersecurity, SOTIF (safety of the intended functionality), and both road and track trials. These diverse evaluations reflect the complexity of autonomous vehicle development, where technical performance must align with strict legal and regulatory requirements. Current frameworks for autonomous driving also recognize the importance of simulation, allowing digital testing to contribute to type approval processes. TÜV Süd’s role was to make sure such simulations meet all procedural and infrastructural standards.
Klotz stressed that a thorough understanding of real-world scenarios is essential. Even seemingly small details can become critical for autonomous operation. “Factors like cobblestone streets, toll gates, or tunnels may sound trivial, but they can have significant consequences if not accounted for early in development. Otherwise, an autonomous truck could encounter a situation it cannot handle—like stopping at the entrance to a tunnel,” he noted.
This holistic view—covering digital simulations, on-road testing, and regulatory compliance—is what makes the ATLAS-L4 safety concept so significant. By anticipating everyday challenges in road networks and integrating them into system design, the project ensures that autonomous trucks will be prepared for the complexities of real traffic.
The initiative also highlights the value of collaboration between industrial companies, research institutions, and regulatory experts. Together, the partners have established a roadmap that not only supports technological progress but also lays the groundwork for future legal and safety standards. With TÜV Süd’s validation of the project’s safety foundation, the logistics sector moves a step closer to deploying self-driving trucks that promise higher efficiency, increased safety, and a transformative impact on long-distance freight transport.
