In the shadow of the promises of the autonomous general public car, a silent revolution is played out in logistical backgrounds. In Pau, the startup Ex9founded in 2021 by Ksenia Duarte And Enzo Salvatoredeploys vehicles capable of maneuvering semi-trailers without human intervention. Objective: automate the most painful tasks of logistics platforms, reduce accidents, and speed up the low-carbon transition.
To talk about it we receive Ksenia Duarte today its co -founder and CEO which responds to the microphone of Richard Mennevière
An industrial and sober approach to autonomy
Ex9 specialized in closed environmentswhere the legal and technical complexity of the public road does not exist. Court tractors, reconditioned from Renault Trucks trucks by its partner Neotrucksare electrified, modernized, and equipped with a Complete autonomous pilot system developed internally.
Three technological bricks structure the system:
- Perception : sensors, lidars, cameras.
- Decision : on -board algorithms, connected to the Yard Management System.
- Action : Automated steering in reverse to the platform, including coupling.
Ex9 models each site in advance with a digital twin And simulates activity peaks (Black Friday, Christmas) to optimize the deployment scenarios.
DHL, UTBM: a first solid and structuring pilot
Since the end of 2023, ex9 has been operating a pilot with Dhl on a site near Roissy, as part of a project carried out with theBelfort-Montbéliard University (UTBM) and funded by theANR. The test relates to the so-called “drop-and-coup” phase: the autonomous transport of semi-trailers between the parking lot and the quays.
The measured gains are clear:
- Reduction of hardware incidents.
- Increase in rotations and fluidity of flows.
- 94 % Co₂ less on operations thanks to the electric motorization.
Ex9 is currently preparing the industrialization of its model with several other logisticians.
A “robots-as-service” model and a low capex strategy
Ex9 does not sell its vehicles, it markets a Key-in-one solution with supervision, maintenance and integrated softwarein a long -term contractual model (3 to 5 years) and monthly payment.
A POC is offered at 50,000 eurosincluding an operating autonomous tractor for two to three weeks. The startup targets a reduced time-toploy thanks to the automation of deployment, training and supervision tools.
A European ambition … and the first steps in the United States
Selected by The Gener8tor accelerator (colab) In Wisconsin, Ex9 explores the American market where the issues are similar. The reception is promising, even if the establishment remains at an exploratory stage. The startup is counting on its Ability to deliver quickly, at reduced costto compete with the giants.
Among the main competitors mentioned:
- Outrider (USA): Advanced actor having raised more than 200 M € since 2017.
- ISEE (USA): Focalized IA, approach deemed risky by eg in standardized environment.
- Some Europeans emerge, as well as Chinese competitors, not yet established.
Ex9 focuses on customer relations, European sovereigntyand a strong operational presence to differentiate.
Financing: € 5 million sought in Europe, € 15 to 20 M if US expansion
Ex9 is supported by Woman Business Angelswinner of an international competition, and accompanied by several investors in the logistics sector. Ksenia Duarte is also part of the Orange Women’s Women’s Women’s Program, carried by Sandrine Joseph
The company plans to raise for its next rounds
- 4 to 5 million euros To deploy in a European scale,
- 15 to 20 million euros If it engages a North American expansion.
She specifies that she not finance the acquisition of vehicles, supported by financial partners, and concentrates her needs on the deployment, software industrialization and customer support structure.
A clear vision: the logistics site of tomorrow
Ex9 anticipates a logistical world where:
- The sites are designed for autonomy from construction,
- operations are orchestrated remotely,
- recharge is automated,
- Human collaborators are protected from thankless and dangerous tasks.
At the crossroads of autonomy, sobriety and service, ex9 embodies a vision where Innovation serves more human, more efficient, more sustainable logistics.
