Planzer and LOXO have launched a pilot project introducing the first Level 4 (L4) autonomous commercial vehicle on the streets of Bern, Switzerland. The initiative, titled “Planzer – Dynamic Micro-Hub w LOXO,” aims to modernize urban logistics by integrating advanced autonomous driving technology into parcel delivery services. This two-year pilot involves a retrofitted Volkswagen ID. Buzz commercial vehicle, equipped with LOXO’s Digital Driver™ software, designed to achieve full L4 autonomy, which operates without a human driver.
The project addresses the rising demand for sustainable and efficient urban delivery solutions, as cities grapple with increasing congestion and environmental concerns. LOXO’s Digital Driver™, a software-as-a-service solution, enables fully autonomous navigation of public roads, targeting improvements in last-mile logistics. During the pilot, the autonomous vehicle will operate multiple daily trips between Planzer’s railway hub and central logistics points in Bern, with parcels later distributed by electric vehicles managed by Planzer Paket staff. Upon successful testing, Planzer and LOXO plan to expand the project to other Swiss cities.
This collaboration is seen as a significant step forward for autonomous driving in Europe. Switzerland’s forthcoming regulatory framework for automated vehicles, expected in spring 2025, offers new opportunities for advancing freight mobility and urban logistics. Planzer and LOXO are positioning this project as part of a broader sustainability effort, aiming to reduce emissions and optimize delivery routes while contributing to more efficient, data-driven city logistics.
Nils Planzer, CEO of Planzer, emphasized the societal impact of the project, noting the development of a new business model alongside the integration of automated technology. Amin Amini, CEO of LOXO, highlighted the broader significance for the autonomous driving industry in Europe, citing the project as a milestone in the journey toward fully autonomous urban transportation.
