Onboard Logic Unit (OLU) Services, Basic Function - GF54.21-D-9987A

Model All (Light transporter) 

Diverse application possibilities of the OLU: from delivery vehicles to rescue services 

With the OLU, Mercedes-Benz Vans provides a complete package that is tailored to the individual requirements of different branches. For example, delivery companies can link vehicle sensors with a customer database via the OLU, which allows the status of a delivery to be automatically transmitted to the respective customer.

Suppliers in the food sector can easily monitor and manage the temperature of the load compartment using the OLU. The corresponding data that is transmitted supports the tracking of the cold chain and the additional process analysis.

For rescue services, the OLU can optimize patient care through better utilization and remote processing of health status.

"In-Van-Delivery and Return" 

"In-Van-Delivery and Return" allows a company to determine which logistics company receives access to a respective vehicle from the company fleet. The authorization to open the vehicle can be specifically limited to the rear-end doors. The vehicle is reliably opened and closed by means of direct Bluetooth® connection to the OLU communication module in the vehicle. This makes it possible to ensure that the vehicle can be accessed even without an Internet connection. The Digital Vehicle Key is integrated into the handheld scanner of the logistics driver, meaning that no additional hardware is required. For supply chain documentation, both the driver of the vehicle to be supplied as well as the fleet controller receive a notification whenever the vehicle is opened or closed.

"VAN2SHARE" - the digital fleet sharing solution 

In situations where vans are used by frequently changing drivers, "VAN2SHARE" is a possible solution for simplifying the processes involved. The digital sharing solution networks drivers, vehicles and orders via a single platform. Along with keyless vehicle access, it allows for easy scheduling of vehicle use, simple damage management and extensive data evaluations for better control of the fleet. Once registered in the system, the driver can immediately begin with their work. The appropriate smartphone application directs them to the vehicle and it is used to unlock it safely.

"Cargo Space Slider" 

The automated, intelligent shelving system (slider) is loaded by hand in the warehouse. In doing so, the shipments are already pre-sorted using an algorithm and assigned to a specific shelf. Automatically guided vehicles bring the shelf to the vehicle and load it directly. A delivery vehicle can be loaded in less than ten minutes. The load compartment is also used up to 100%. To unload, the individual shelves automatically move out of the load compartment. A light pulse indicates to the driver which package should be removed ("pick-by-light"). If they miss part of the shipment, they are made aware of this via an acoustic signal or a warning vibration. This saves them from having to make duplicate trips. The vehicle opens and closes automatically without a key. The navigation system shows the next stop, the name of the customer and the number of shipments. The customer receives an advance message of when the delivery will be made.

"Drone Delivery" 

Pilot project for on-demand delivery 

Mercedes-Benz Vans, the US drone system developer "Matternet" and the Swiss online marketplace "siroop" have launched a pilot project in Zurich for efficient "on-demand" deliveries of e-commerce products via vans and drones. The pilot project, which began with initial tests, represents a milestone for autonomous flying systems: For the first time, comprehensive drone deployments are taking place autonomously and without visual contact in an urban environment, using vans as landing platforms, in order to test a fully automated e-commerce drone system. The development of the overall project follows an iterative approach with quick testing and constant optimization.

Package delivery with drones 

In the course of the pilot project, customers have been able to order selected products in the "siroop" online market. These weigh up to a maximum of two kilograms and are suitable for transport by drone. The product range includes items such as coffee or electronics articles. The customers receive these on the same day. The dealer equips the drones at their own premises directly after the order is received. They then fly to one of two vans used in the project that have integrated drone landing platforms. The vans remain at one of four fixed so-called "rendezvous points" in the city area. There, the deliverer takes charge of the products and delivers them to the end customer, while the drone returns to the dealer.

The time is measured along the entire process chain, from the receipt of the order up to the final delivery at the customer, and compared with the duration required for a conventional delivery, in order to obtain insights about the efficiency of the process.

Van with integrated landing platform 

With integrated precision landing technology on the roof, the prototype vehicles become networked and safe landing platforms for "Matternet" delivery drones. The aim of the project is to improve the efficiency and the service level of "on-demand" deliveries and therefore create added value for dealers and end customers.

The "vans and drones" concept was presented by Mercedes-Benz Vans and "Matternet" back in September 2016 at the "Van Innovation Campus". The pilot project in Zurich with "siroop" as the first user of the system is the next stage in the further development of the concept. Here, the package is not supplied directly by drone to the end customer, but rather to a delivery vehicle, which then takes over the delivery for the last section of the route. The use of vans as intelligent, mobile landing points for the "Matternet" drones makes various use cases possible and has a whole range of advantages.

The advantages 

• A shorter delivery cycle and lower costs in comparison to existing delivery services. Deliveries can be delivered faster, irrespective of the traffic situation.
• Drone systems can be integrated into the logistics chain without altering customer behavior. The customer receives their delivery from a driver as usual.
• Dealers and logistics companies can offer their customers a true "on-demand" delivery solution without requiring additional infrastructure. Companies with van fleets can deploy these more effectively and offer "on-demand services".
• Drones land on the roof of the van at a height of around two meters, guaranteeing the safety of passers-by.
• The drones in question are "Matternet" drones of the model "M2", which have a load capacity of maximum two kilograms and a range of roughly 20 km. The integrated system has been continually refined and tested in preparation for deployment in the urban environment.

Next development steps 

The pilot project is the first step in an interactive process, building up to a system solution with a clear aim: A dynamic route planning system with flexible drone deployment and automated application control for fast, reliable and efficient "on-demand" delivery.

In future, the drone delivery solution is set to be dynamically integrated into conventional delivery runs. In other words, the vans would no longer wait at predefined holding points for the arrival of the drones, but would instead receive intermediate deliveries from the drones at a suitable holding point on their regular delivery runs. This means that urgent shipments could be integrated into an ongoing delivery run, allowing them to be delivered to the customer more quickly.

"Robotic Delivery" - Sprinters with space for various packages and up to eight delivery robots 

The tests that Mercedes-Benz Vans is carrying out at its premises in Unterturkheim as part of the "Robotic Delivery Systems" project could soon become an everyday reality for package delivery solutions: At the beginning of a shift, a Sprinter travels to its target area. Once the deliverer arrives there, they no longer need to deliver one package after the other.

Instead, eight customers that have previously agreed to a just-in-time delivery have their packages delivered in parallel by robots - a huge win in terms of efficiency. While this takes place, the deliverer handles more difficult jobs that involve unwieldy packages or already begins the preparations for their next stop.

Innovative on-board shelf system on the Sprinter 

In the "Robotic Delivery Systems" project, vans and delivery robots are networked with each other in terms of both software and hardware and work together intelligently. The "parking area" for the robots is situated on the lower deck of the Sprinter. On the upper deck, the packages are stored in the load carriers. Furthermore, the Sprinter always knows where its delivery robots are currently located.

The robots orient themselves using GPS (global navigation system) and numerous cameras. The vehicle continuously checks its surroundings so that it can move around autonomously and safely.

The first tests with the robots have already been completed successfully.

The next step is to connect the robots to a van as "mobile hub".