SHERIDAN, WYOMING – August 5, 2025 – Deutsche Telekom and Finnish software innovator Unikie are joining forces to digitize and automate vehicle logistics operations through a powerful combination of edge cloud infrastructure, 5G connectivity, and real-time vehicle control software. The strategic alliance aims to scale automation in high-demand logistics environments, from car manufacturing plants to ports and parcel hubs, addressing the growing pressure on global supply chains and labor shortages.
Automated driving systems reduce bottlenecks in logistics yards
Modern industrial logistics operations, especially within automotive production and distribution facilities, rely on a steady supply of drivers and precise vehicle maneuvering. As labor shortages and space constraints intensify, Unikie’s automated driving platform steps in to transform how vehicles are moved between stations. The technology has already proven effective in the Volkswagen AutoLog project in Emden, Germany, where it is streamlining vehicle flow at the automotive terminal.
With automation reducing vehicle throughput times and optimizing yard space, Deutsche Telekom and Unikie are targeting broader industrial use cases including:
- Vehicle production plants and logistics yards
- Bus and tram depots
- Parcel distribution centers and last-mile logistics
- Harbor terminals and forestry fleets
5G and edge cloud combine for real-time vehicle control
Central to the joint solution is the Unikie Marshalling Solution (UMS), a software platform that orchestrates the autonomous movement of vehicles via a secure connection to external LiDAR sensors. These sensors feed real-time environmental data to the system, enabling safe operations even in densely trafficked or low-visibility conditions.
Deutsche Telekom's 5G network provides the critical backbone for this setup, allowing vehicles to stay connected via SIM cards. To minimize latency and enable instant decision-making, Telekom runs the UMS within an edge cloud architecture. This allows processing to occur closer to the vehicle, reducing communication lag and enhancing safety.
“We’re the only ones who can deliver the full package of SIM card, network, edge cloud, and system integration from a single source. In combination with Unikie’s software for automated driving, we’re shaking up logistics processes far beyond the automotive industry. In the next step, we’re set to scale into the European market thanks to our edge cloud and the 8ra initiative,” says Christian Hort, Senior Vice President Automotive at T-Systems.
Strategic integration boosts reliability and scalability
Through T-Systems, Telekom delivers a tightly integrated IT backbone that enables continuous, end-to-end logistics automation. This all-in-one service model ensures seamless deployment across various industrial locations and offers 24/7 system reliability.
For Unikie, the ability to run its platform on Europe’s leading mobile network enhances scalability and performance. “Our partnership with Deutsche Telekom is an ideal scaling factor. By integrating our software into Deutsche Telekom's mobile network, we can use the best mobile network with low latency and the highest reliability,” explains Vesa Kiviranta, Chief Business Officer at Unikie.
8ra initiative pushes open edge cloud for European digitization
The expansion potential is underpinned by the 8ra project—an ambitious European initiative led by Deutsche Telekom to develop a sovereign, interoperable, multi-provider edge cloud ecosystem. This open architecture strengthens resilience across industries by enabling interchangeable IT components and fostering vendor competition.
8ra’s framework supports faster deployment of mission-critical applications like autonomous logistics, which demand ultra-low latency and high data throughput. As such, it plays a crucial role in accelerating digital transformation for manufacturers and logistics providers across the EU.
Why it matters for logistics providers and fleet operators
With the convergence of 5G, edge cloud, and AI-powered automation, the Deutsche Telekom–Unikie solution offers a viable path for logistics operators to:
- Overcome driver shortages
- Increase site throughput and reduce idle time
- Enhance safety in mixed-traffic environments
- Scale automation without major on-site IT investment
As vehicle logistics faces increasing complexity and cost pressures, this integrated, real-time automation system presents a forward-looking alternative to traditional yard operations.
To learn more about Unikie’s automation capabilities, visit www.unikie.com