MANSIO and PEM Motion Develop Smart Locking System

The start-up MANSIO and the development service provider PEM Motion – both from Aachen – have developed a smart locking system for truck trailers that prevents unwanted or criminal coupling. The permanently installed module is keyless and can be integrated into the trailer telematics software or operated via a separate app using Bluetooth and mobile networks. The prototype named “Smart Lock” will be presented by both companies for the first time at this year’s commercial vehicle fair NUFAM in Karlsruhe from September 21 to 24.

“Parked or unattended trailers currently have no effective, independent physical protection against theft and mix-ups. With our new smart locking system, users can be assured at all times that only authorized truckers can move the expensive units, including cargo. Just as the theft protection for tractors is standard, an effective security for trailers should also be a matter of course in the future,” outlines MANSIO’s managing director Dr. Maik Schürmeyer the idea.

Given the high crime rate in freight transport, the system could make an important contribution to effective theft protection for complete semi-trailers. In particular, the unattended parking of trailers represents a weak point in the transport chain. The figures published by the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) (survey period 15.8.22-15.8.23) confirm that only about 1 percent of the 2,292 cargo theft cases in Germany occurred while driving.

Many Applications Such as Encounter Traffic, Multimodal Transport, Trailer Rental

Accordingly, there are numerous applications. Schürmeyer names the most important ones: “The system is versatile – in encounter traffic, in fleet management when assigning units to drivers, in combined transport, in trailer rental to block rented units, for example, in case of payment defaults, or to control trailers that are entrusted to subcontractors.” Potential user groups include freight forwarders, haulage contractors, and trailer rental companies. There have already been expressions of interest for the smart solution, reveals Schürmeyer.

The special feature of the “Smart Lock” is the combination of the permanently installed locking mechanism and the keyless, remote triggering via app or browser. The module itself is installed once under the trailer, so that the driver does not incur any additional time expenditure for manual securing. A wedge-shaped stopper is automatically extended in front of the kingpin for locking. In this state, if there is an unauthorized coupling attempt, the trailer is pushed up so high that the fifth wheel of the tractor cannot engage with the kingpin of the unit to be towed.

Simple and Secure App Control

The locking and unlocking is controlled by an IoT module. A security concept ensures that only authorized users, regardless of their own location, can access the respective trailers. “The operation for drivers, dispatchers, or fleet managers is kept simple. Sensor data from the lock can be retrieved via an app or browser, and the locking or unlocking can be triggered. The authorized user is identified through a certificate-based authentication. In addition, communication with the server is additionally protected from third-party access through transport encryption. From a development perspective, we take into account the requirements of ISO/SAE 21434:2021-08 for cybersecurity, as well as the requirements for the functional safety of the system,” explains the responsible project manager at PEM Motion, Lisa Weichsel.

The “Smart Lock” is installed once under the trailer (© MANSIO)

Integrable into Trailer Telematics Software

In the development, MANSIO and PEM Motion have also created the prerequisites for a holistic usage approach. Thus, the smart locking can be easily integrated into the existing trailer telematics software. Schürmeyer is convinced: “Our module is a safety-relevant and sensible addition to the already existing applications that are controlled via the trailer telematics of the commercial vehicle manufacturers. The integrability ensures that all applications are bundled in one hand.”

To ensure technical availability at all times, the system includes its own energy storage. The power supply is generally to be provided via the electrical circuit of the semi-trailer. As a fallback option, the locking system also has its own charging capability.

The smart locking system is being prototyped as part of the STAFFEL project. The research project STAFFEL, funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, aims to halve transport times in truck freight transport and reduce driving time waste by transferring trailers between haulage companies along transport routes.

Photo: © Marcus Walter/KfdM