Velodyne Lidar announced its partnership with ground support equipment provider TLD. The two companies signed a three-year agreement that TLD will LiDAR sensors from Velodyne for manufacture its TractEasy autonomous electric baggage tractor for airport and industrial operation.

(Image: Velodyne/TLD)

TLD will grow its TractEasy tractor fleet with Velodyne’s sensors for safe and efficient navigation on roadways in a variety of weather conditions. TractEasy is a zero-emission tow tractor that transfers baggage and freight from airport terminals to aircraft areas, on service roads, with a driverless approach. It can also handle ground transportation of goods at industrial sites and logistics centers – both indoor and outdoor. TractEasy can drive up to 25 km/h and has a maximum traction capacity of 25 tons.

Erich Smidt, Executive Director Europe at Velodyne Lidar, noted, “These tractors demonstrate how Velodyne lidar sensors provide the range and field of view needed to gain visibility on what’s ahead on dynamic roadways, and detect and avoid potential obstacles for safe logistics operations.”