AUTONOMOUS AND ELECTRIC TRUCK RUNNING ON RAILS TO BE USED FOR REVITALIZING RAILWAY ROUTE IN CALIFORNIA

Autonomous and electric truck that runs on rails will be used to revitalize a railway route in California (Glid Technologies)

The American startup Glid Technologies has developed the Glider M, an electric and autonomous truck capable of traveling on train tracks at speeds of up to 129 km/h.

Without a cabin for a driver, the vehicle is equipped with technology that allows its movement and connection to semi-trailers autonomously, although it can also be operated remotely.

The model will be integrated into the Skunk Train railway route in California, in partnership with Mendocino Railway, covering about 64 km between Fort Bragg and Willis.

The Glider M stands out for being a bimodal vehicle, capable of operating both on tracks and on roads, with a focus solely on freight transport, such as mining materials, agricultural products, waste, and military equipment. While the idea is not entirely new, its combination of electrification and autonomous driving represents a significant advancement in the logistics and freight transport sector.

Glid’s initiative also aims to revitalize underutilized railways and make logistics in rural and less-favored areas more sustainable. With the Glider M and a hybrid model called GliderM Alpha, the company seeks to reduce operational costs and carbon emissions, while improving access to freight transport in these areas.

The project already has registered patents and an order from an undisclosed transportation company.

Source: Olhar Digital | Photo: Glid Technologies | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team

2025-05-09T12:50:32Z