US-based Glid Technologies has introduced its next-generation autonomous vehicle that could revolutionize transportation. This vehicle, which can continue its journey by moving to the rails after carrying semi-trailers on the highway, will be tested on the historic Skunk Train railway line in California.

This vehicle travels on both the highway and the railway

With this project, the company aims to both reactivate the idle railway infrastructure and make rural logistics processes more environmentally friendly and accessible. The fully electric and driverless vehicle called “Glider” will be tested on the 64-kilometer Mendocino Railway corridor in the first stage.

Glider can carry 36-ton semi-trailers on the highway and reaches a speed of 129 km/h when it enters the rail system. These vehicles, which can also be controlled remotely, work with a central control network and do not include a driver’s cabin. The system can automatically integrate with trailers thanks to its automatic connection mechanism.

Glid Technologies also introduced the GliderM Alpha model, a driver-driven variant that works with a diesel-biofuel hybrid system. This model is also planned to be used in the same line. The company will initially focus on private and public sector logistics operations such as transporting mining products, agricultural products, waste and military equipment.

Although no images of mass production or widespread field tests of the vehicles have been shared yet, it is stated that Glid has signed a purchasing agreement with a transportation company.

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