Unmanned trucks are set to enter an experimental phase on the M-11 Neva toll highway, a corridor designed for high-speed traffic, with operations beginning in June 2023. This plan comes from a briefing reported by RIA Novosti, which cites Vitaly Savelyev, the Russian Minister of Transport, outlining a clear milestone for automated freight mobility on a major road artery in Russia. The move signals a strategic step toward real world testing of autonomous logistics in a controlled environment that combines digital infrastructure and live vehicle flow, offering a glimpse into the near future of road transport in the region.
Officials indicate that June will also see the creation of a digital twin representing the road infrastructure for segments of the M-11 highway, with the exception of the Tver ring road. This virtual replica is intended to mirror real conditions on the roadway, including traffic patterns, weather influences, and road works, enabling sophisticated simulations and data gathering. The same source notes that vehicle movement with high levels of automation is planned to commence on the M-11 Neva toward the end of June, aligning practical testing with the digital model to refine control algorithms, safety protocols, and fleet coordination strategies in a live, controlled setting.
The project operates under an experimental legal framework that allows unmanned transport trials on the M-11 corridor. Earlier updates highlighted that KamAZ had produced two of the five vehicles required for the experimental autonomous transport program, with these level four autonomy units destined to haul commercial cargo while the driver remains in the cabin as a supervisory presence. This arrangement reflects a cautious, staged approach to deployment that prioritizes safety oversight while validating the performance and resilience of autonomous systems under real traffic conditions. The broader implication is a growing national capability to integrate automated freight solutions into public road networks, supported by ongoing regulatory developments and industry collaboration.
Recent regulatory developments in Russia include the entry into force of GOST provisions regulating alcohol-lock devices on vehicles, a measure that intersects with the broader safety and testing landscape for automated transport. This alignment underscores a commitment to comprehensive standards that address driver behavior, vehicle integrity, and overall road safety in an era of evolving mobility technologies. Taken together, the sequence of testing, digital infrastructure readiness, and regulatory grounding illustrates a deliberate path toward validating unmanned trucking solutions while maintaining rigorous oversight and risk management for both operators and other road users. The period ahead is likely to feature continued collaboration among government bodies, manufacturers, and transport operators as the M-11 Neva corridor becomes a focal point for advancing autonomous freight delivery research and practical implementation in Russia.