Robotics and artificial intelligence are coming to European ports. Westwell this week announced that a second batch of its autonomous Q-Trucks has arrived at the Port of Felixstowe, the largest container port in the U.K. The company said this marks a significant expansion of Hutchison Ports Ltd.’s autonomous fleet.
Westwell delivered 34 autonomous trucks (ATs), doubling the number of vehicles the Shanghai-based company has already deployed at the port.
“We are delighted to receive the first trucks from our second order of ATs from Westwell,” stated Clemence Cheng, executive director of Hutchison Ports and the Port of Felixstowe. “The new machines feature a step forward in lidar technology and mark the next phase of our journey using autonomous technology to support our experienced workforce.”
Save the date for the 2026 Robotics SummitQ-Trucks run around the clock at Felixstowe Port
The Q-Truck uses an advanced sensor fusion architecture, including a 360-degree, industrial-grade binocular camera and 128-line lidar. With a cabinless design, Westwell said it engineered the Q-truck for full autonomy. The company said it has eliminated the need for manual intervention, and the trucks are running around the clock at the Port of Felixstowe.
Westwell added that its proprietary battery-swapping system enables each Q-Truck to autonomously complete a full energy swap within five minutes. Integrated with Westwell’s Cosmo Fleet Management System (FMS), the system ensures real-time coordination, minimal downtime, and optimized throughput, it claimed.
“Autonomous trucks in European ports are just the beginning — Westwell is focused on stable, long-term growth,” said Kenny Tan, founder and chairman of Westwell. “With a U.K. spare parts hub, local engineers, and a planned regional subsidiary, we’re ensuring 24/7 reliability and stronger support for clients across Europe.”
So far, Westwell’s existing fleet of Q-Trucks has achieved over 660 days of continuous operation. In addition, the company estimated that with “green energy,” each Q-Truck can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 50 tons per unit annually.
Westwell keeps things moving at ports and airports
Last week, Westwell said it is delivering Q-Chassis heavy-duty intelligent guided vehicles (IGVs) and horizontal transport systems for the Hong Kong International Airport Dongguan Air Cargo Center.
The company said its vehicles using the Qomolo self-driving system are designed for “multi-scenario container logistics container logistics operations in seaports and dry ports, integrating three key advantages — intelligence, sustainability, and safety.” They follow its “SMART” framework — sustainable, maintainable, adapted, replicable, and technical — for innovation and efficiency.
The Q-Chassis features a four-axle, eight-wheel dual-drive design for smooth maneuvering of heavy loads. It has 360° environmental perception with no magnetic tape needed, high-precision parking (±30mm), and multi-layer collision protection.
So far, Westwell has deployed more than 1,000 vehicles such as the Q-Chassis in multiple major ports in Asia and the Middle East.
