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VDL Automated Vehicles: Driving the Future of Heavy Logistics

Over the past two decades, industrial and port logistics have undergone a revolution. The demand for safer and more competitive operations has pushed organizations to seek solutions that completely transform how goods are moved in outdoor environments. That’s where VDL Automated Vehicles comes in—a company that has not only followed this evolution but has led it since 2010. I'm interested
Global Track Record

A Global Leader Backed by an Industrial Giant

VDL AV is part of VDL Groep, a European industrial group with over 70 years of history, more than 14,000 employees in 20 countries, and a turnover exceeding €2.1 billion. This scale allows VDL to operate with stability, technological capability, and an industrial network that few can match.

Iconic Projects

Since its inception, VDL AV has positioned itself among the world's top providers of port AGVs, participating in iconic projects such as PSA Tuas, Hutchison Ports, and Dongwon Global Terminal.

Outdoor Automation

Each of these projects has reinforced one idea: outdoor automation is feasible, safe, and highly profitable when designed as a complete system, not as isolated components.

Stability and Technology

This scale allows VDL to operate with stability, technological capability, and an industrial network that few can match.

VDL: Automation Beyond the Vehicle

At VDL, an AGV is just the beginning. The company designs solutions where vehicle, software, energy, sensors, and communications function as a single coordinated organism. That vision—which today seems obvious—was what enabled VDL to participate in the projects that defined the current industry standards.
Complete Ecosystem

One Ecosystem, Not Just an AGV

At VDL, the vehicle is just one part of a complete system. The integration of software, energy, sensors, and communications creates a coordinated ecosystem that ensures efficiency, reliability, and ease of operation from day one.

Technological Integration

Advanced Fleet Management (ECS/FMS). Automated charging infrastructure from 150 to 450 kW. Open APIs with TOS, ERP, and client systems.

Localization & Digital Twin

Hybrid localization (RFID + complementary technologies). Digital twin for real-time simulation and operation.

One-Stop-Shop Approach

All of this under a “One-Stop-Shop” approach, simplifying projects by eliminating typical frictions between manufacturers, integrators, and operators.

Why Choose VDL?

Discover how VDL transforms outdoor logistics with safe, efficient, and future-ready automation solutions. Every system component is designed to integrate and operate as a single ecosystem.
01. Modular Architecture VDL systems are designed to upgrade and expand without disruptive changes. Modularity allows integration of new technologies, preventing premature obsolescence and protecting long-term investment.
02. Open Standards All VDL AGVs and solutions are built on open standards like OPC-UA, ISO 3691-4, and ISO 15118, ensuring compatibility with external systems, easy integration, and more efficient operation.
03. Cybersecurity & Digital Twin Advanced industrial cybersecurity protects the entire operation, while the Digital Twin allows real-time simulation and monitoring of logistics, anticipating issues and optimizing AGV management.
04. Spanish Market VDL perfectly aligns with Spain’s industrial and port transformation. Port automation, decarbonization driven by Puertos del Estado, and Industry 4.0 logistics in steel, chemical, automotive, and paper sectors.
05. Competitive Advantage With 14 years of outdoor AGV experience, total vehicle–software–energy–infrastructure integration, global support, and turnkey projects, VDL ensures safe, profitable, and scalable projects from day one.
Port & MTT

The Three Families That Defined a Market

Port AGV, Mixed Traffic Transporter (MTT), and Customer Specific AGV represent the gold standard in outdoor automation, each tailored to specific environments and unique customer needs.

Port AGV

World leader in automated terminals: up to 70 tons of load, ultra-precise RFID-based navigation, ultra-fast automatic loading, modular architecture, and integration with the main TOS systems on the market. Continuous operation and high availability (>90%).

Mixed Traffic Transporter (MTT)

Designed for mixed environments such as steel plants or industrial facilities. Transports up to 50 tons, coexists with heterogeneous traffic, complies with ISO 3691-4:2020, integrates digital twin, and offers profitable operation from year one.

Customer Specific AGV

Solution for exceptional challenges, e.g., BASF Ludwigshafen: 10 km² automated ecosystem, AGVs up to 85 tons, hybrid navigation, integrated lifting, advanced energy management, and full interoperability with customer systems.

Contact

Contact us at any time to receive more information about our products, services, solutions, and technical support.
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This is what will happen next:
Needs analysis We will contact you to understand your requirements and assess opportunities for improvement in your operations.
Action plan Our team of specialists will work closely with you, offering recommendations and solutions to optimize the productivity and efficiency of your business.
Final proposal We will provide you with a detailed action plan, including costs, delivery times, and a complete overview of the improvements it will bring to your assets.