njord
njordeinride

Convert trailers for autonomous logistics

concept

NJORD is a service and a product designed for Einride that enables logistics companies to make their existing trailers compatible with autonomous driving by adding sensor vision to the back end of the trailer.

info

Umeå Institute of Design

Einride

David Berl

Nicolò Vincenzi

2023

10 weeks

Project Intro

Autonomous logistics will be the future

Trailers play a crucial role for logistic operations. Einride is a Swedish startup transforming logistics, offering solutions for autonomous driving truck fleets, drastically increasing efficiency and safety.

Converting existing trailers into smart ones

Our goal was to make the switch to autonomous electric driving effortless. In the current state, designing a smart trailer replacement is hard for autonomous logistics, because of the variations in size, form factors and features.

3 million trailers

*circulating in Europe every year

3 million trailers

how can we enable them for autonomous driving?

cost saving

up to 0

from avoiding buying a new trailer

environmentally friendly

+ 0/10 years

increased trailer life expectancy

time efficient

0 months

saved for a standard trailer replacement

New Autonomous Truck
Old Retrofitted Trailer
NJORDOur Solution
Enables Vision and autonomous driving

Concept Development

Direction Exploration

Njord is the missing link between the tractor and trailer. A modular attachment that enable 360° vision on the surrounding of the trailer.

Concept 01 - The Bar

Maximize vision for autonomous driving

The Bar
The Bar sketch
+simple maintenance
+simple installation
+sturdy
×big footprint

Concept 02 - The Smart Bits

Improve ease of installation and modularity

The Smart Bits
The Smart Bits sketch
+reduced footprint
+modularity
×complexity
×hard to install & implement

Concept 03 - The Safe

Improve security of cargo & fleet management

The Safe
The Safe sketch
+compact
+easy installation
×insufficient FOV

Test and Validate

Finalizing concept direction

Test and Validate
User testing the bar installation process
Examining bar mounting points on trailer
Testing sensor module attachment
Validating bar accessibility for maintenance
Sliding Central Part
Mounting System
Sensors
Glass cover
Feature detail

Combining service and product design

The solution integrates both physical and digital touchpoints.

Trailer Upgrades03 Schmitz XOL5573
live

Trailer Upgrade Packages

Visibility
Automation
Cargo security
Capacity sharing
Estimated cost
2 packages selected
6,200
per trailer
Trailer upgrade packages
NJORD product interface - fleet management and onboarding

Final Concept

The sensors are modular

Enabling easy installation and repairability. The sensor modules feature LED lights to signal their status.

Radar
x6Radar
Lidar
x1Lidar
Camera
x1Camera
Ultrasonic
x2Ultrasonic
BeforeAfter
Glass sealed
Maintenance mode

Maintenance made easy

01Unlock
The bar can be unlocked via RFID authentication.
02Access Interiors
Open the bar like a drawer for easy access.
03Swap Sensors
Easy repairability thanks to modular design.

Effortless installation and universal compatibility

The adjustable mounting bracket guarantees uniform weight distribution. Multiple mounting spots ensure compatibility with a wide range of trailers.

NJORD bar mounting bracket dimensions: 300mm side brackets, 1500mm main bar
NJORD bar rear view animation showing sensor coverage