Unikie Demonstrates Automated Vehicle Loading at Audi Ingolstadt

Tampere, Finland, Sept. 24, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Unikie, a company specializing in automated vehicle logistics, has achieved a significant milestone by demonstrating the automated loading and unloading of vehicles onto railway wagons at the Audi Ingolstadt site. This world-first demonstration marks a pivotal step towards the automation of the entire vehicle logistics network within the Volkswagen Group.

Peter Hörndlein, Managing Director of Vehicle Logistics at Volkswagen Group Logistics, expressed his delight at the achievement.

The Audi Ingolstadt site, the largest production facility and headquarters of the Audi Group, now hosts this innovative technology. The process, known as the Unikie Marshalling Solution, allows vehicles to be maneuvered in tight and congested spaces reliably and efficiently. This automation is crucial for the Volkswagen Group, which transports around 70 percent of its finished vehicles by rail at some point during the distribution process. Rail transport is a key component of the group's supply chain, connecting car manufacturing plants, suppliers, distribution hubs, and seaports.

Thomas Gensberger, Head of Supply Chain Steering O2D at AUDI AG, highlighted the significance of the demonstration.

Unikie's solution is part of the broader AutoLog project, which explores the future of automotive logistics and seaport operations. The project, funded by the IHATEC II program, focuses on efficient, fully driverless operations in mixed traffic. The AutoLog project is being conducted at the Volkswagen logistics terminal in Emden, the largest seaport in the Volkswagen Group.

The Unikie Marshalling Solution combines Unikie's automation technology with Deutsche Telekom's connectivity and digital infrastructure. This collaboration aims to enable automated driving applications from vehicle production and logistics hubs to ports, terminals, depots, and fleet operations. Vesa Kiviranta, Chief Business Officer of Unikie, emphasized the importance of this partnership.

The demonstration at the Audi Ingolstadt site represents a significant step towards the fully automated logistics network envisioned by the Volkswagen Group. The process of loading and unloading vehicles onto railway wagons is complex and traditionally relies on manual labor. By automating this process, the group aims to achieve significant efficiency gains and cost reductions in its factories.

For the Volkswagen Group, this technology is not just about improving logistics; it is about preparing for a future where driverless operations are the norm. The AutoLog project is a testament to the group's commitment to innovation and sustainability.

To see the full demonstration, visit the provided video: vimeo.com/1229782377?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

This video offers a comprehensive look at how the Unikie Marshalling Solution operates in real-world conditions, showcasing the potential for a fully automated vehicle logistics network.