Start of trial introduction of “eve auto” at Anesaki Works factory at Prime Polymer

Tokyo, September 1, 2021— eve autonomy (the company) is pleased to announce that it will accept pre-orders from today for the autonomous transportation service eve auto, which is in development for release next summer in association with Tier IV(Headquarters: Nagoya, Aichi, President: Kazuya Takeda and Yamaha Motor (Headquarters: Iwata, Shizuoka, President: Yoshihiro Hidaka).

eve auto is an autonomous transport service developed to meet the needs of automated transport in confined spaces, including those required in indoor and outdoor environments. Based on feedback from operations at multiple factories, including Yamaha Motor’s Hamakita Plant, this service has been developed to meet the autonomous transportation needs of customers who require running performance, traction and loading capacity.

In line with this service rollout, the company has newly developed a compact EV with a view to mass production for autonomous transportation services. The project was developed by combining the technology of the open-source autonomous driving OS, Autoware, developed by Tier IV, and the highly reliable vehicle body development technology of Yamaha Motor. The unit is capable of handling certain kinds of steps and slopes, and is resilient to changes in the weather and the surrounding environment, while also having a towing capacity of up to 1,500kg, or a loading capacity of up to 300kg.
*Autoware is a registered trademark of the Autoware Foundation

This service is offered as a subscription-type contract with the aim of eliminating the main initial introduction hurdles of high initial costs and extended implementation processes that often hinder the adoption of automation. The company also provides fleet management system and after-sales support.

Due to the growing needs for high-mix low-volume production and chronic labor shortages in logistics at monozukuri-manufacturing sites, it can be difficult to maintain high efficiency in production systems using conventional equipment and operations that assume the availability of workers. By introducing these types of autonomous transportation services, the company can expect to achieve more efficient operations in the factory while reducing the number of accidents caused by human errors.

The service can be used in various places, including manufacturing sites and factories where production lines are subject to significant changes, plants that have transportation needs over large sites, and distribution bases that require automation of transportation, including tackling slopes, travelling between buildings, etc. In addition to commercial service, it can also be used as a research and development platform for autonomous driving technology.

While leveraging each other’s strengths, the three companies will provide automated transportation services that are easy for anyone to use under the concept of “Autonomous from today” that eve autonomy advocates.

About eve autonomy

Headquaters: Shizuoka
CEO: Yonemitsu Masanori
Website: https://eveautonomy.com/en/

About Prime Polymer

Headquarters: Tokyo
President: Fujimoto Kensuke
Website: http://www.primepolymer.co.jp/english/index.html

About Idemitsu Kosan

Headquarters: Tokyo
Representative Director & CEO: Shunichi Kito
Website: https://www.idemitsu.com/en/index.html

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CONTACT

Media Contacts:

• Prime Polymer
  Corporate Planning Group, Planning and Administration Dept.
  03-6253-4537
• Idemitsu Kosan
  Public Relations Dept, Public Relations Sec.
  https://www.idemitsu.com/en/contact/flow/index.html