Australian autonomous vehicle technology company Applied EV is working with UK self-driving software firm Oxa to enable the commercial deployment of autonomous vehicles for logistics applications.

Expanding on their existing partnership, this agreement combines Applied EV’s expertise in secure, software-defined vehicle platforms with Oxa’s self-driving software to deliver an immediate turnkey offering that equips businesses with the tools to integrate autonomy into their operations.

As commercial industries face problems such as driver shortages, which are set to double globally by 2028, as well as navigating logistics inefficiencies and the push for sustainability, this simplified access to autonomous vehicles offers a seamless, scalable path to resilient, future-ready operations.

Earlier this year Applied EV showcased its sixth-generation Blanc Robot technology at CES in Las Vegas with Suzuki. It marked the first time a fully software-defined autonomous logistics vehicle could be produced to automotive volumes and standards.

Through this partnership, companies can lease Applied EV’s vehicle platform equipped with sensors and compute based on an Oxa Reference Autonomy Design (RAD), and running Oxa Driver self-driving software (oxa.tech/products/#oxaDriver). An initial 100 Blanc Robots integrated with Oxa’s self-driving technology will be rolled out, followed by the commercial deployment of large-scale fleets.

The channel partnership will enhance global access to autonomous mobility by leveraging a combined presence across Apac, UK, EU and USA. Applied EV will provide technology to Oxa and its customers, in addition to integrating and delivering Oxa’s products across its own core markets and industries, including logistics, agriculture and mining.

“This partnership marks a significant milestone in the commercial deployment of autonomous vehicles,” said Julian Broadbent, CEO of Applied EV (www.appliedev.com). “By combining our OEM-grade vehicle platform with Oxa’s autonomy software, we are delivering a ground-breaking, scalable offering that enables businesses to seamlessly integrate autonomy into their operations, unlocking efficiencies and accelerating industry transformation. The unique vehicle-as-a-service model will pave the way for thousands of Blanc Robots and other autonomous vehicle platforms to be deployed globally over the coming years.”

Gavin Jackson, CEO of Oxa (oxa.tech), formerly Oxbotica, added: “By combining our expertise, we are accelerating industrial mobility automation (IMA), automating the billions of repetitive mobility tasks that businesses perform daily. This partnership unlocks new opportunities for autonomy at scale, enabling businesses to realise the full benefits of software-defined, safety-rated autonomous vehicles, solving critical challenges such as driver shortages and productivity gaps. Together, we are shaping the future of mobility by making it safer, more reliable and more efficient.”

As demand for autonomous vehicles continues to grow, this partnership aims to usher in an era of scalable, turnkey autonomy for industrial and commercial applications.