Oman eyes autonomous RoboVan deployment

MUSCAT, SEPTEMBER 5
Oman is exploring the deployment of fully autonomous delivery vehicles as part of efforts to build a smarter and more efficient logistics ecosystem, following a strategic agreement between Singapore-based autonomous driving specialist Zelostech, Oman Investment Authority (OIA) and Asyad Group.
Under a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the three parties will examine opportunities to develop and deploy autonomous logistics solutions across the Sultanate, potentially introducing Zelostech’s RoboVan technology into Oman’s rapidly expanding transport and logistics network.
“The partnership brings together Zelostech’s autonomous driving technology and large-scale RoboVan deployment experience, OIA’s investment capabilities supporting Oman’s economic transformation, and Asyad’s integrated logistics infrastructure and connectivity to global trade,” Zelostech said in announcing the agreement.
A global unicorn specialising in autonomous driving, Zelostech operates what it describes as the world’s largest RoboVan fleet and has accumulated more than 170 million kilometres of autonomous driving mileage across its global operations.
At the heart of its offering is a proprietary map-free Level 4 (L4) full-stack autonomous driving system. Level 4 autonomy enables a vehicle to perform the complete driving task without human intervention within its designated operating environment.
Unlike autonomous systems heavily dependent on high-definition maps prepared in advance, Zelostech’s map-free technology is designed to support more flexible deployment across changing operating environments. Its RoboVans can be deployed on open public roads as well as within controlled environments such as logistics parks, industrial zones, warehouses and other freight facilities.
The company says it pioneered the world's first autonomous delivery van to achieve fully driverless operation in real-world scenarios and is now pursuing large-scale commercial deployment of the technology.
For Oman, autonomous freight and delivery systems could complement wider efforts to position the country as a major logistics gateway between Asia, the Gulf, Africa and other international markets. Asyad’s network encompasses ports, free zones, shipping, freight, warehousing and last-mile logistics, potentially offering multiple environments for testing and ultimately scaling autonomous mobility.
The initiative also aligns with Oman Vision 2040, particularly its focus on digitalisation, advanced technologies, productivity and economic diversification. Autonomous vehicles could potentially improve logistics efficiency, optimise round-the-clock freight movements and reduce operating costs while supporting more digitally integrated supply chains.
“For Zelostech, this MoU marks an important step in our global expansion, moving beyond autonomous vehicles toward the infrastructure and systems that power the future of logistics,” the company said.
“We look forward to building the future of autonomous logistics in Oman, across the Middle East, and beyond.”
Caption:
An MoU signed with Oman Investment Authority and Asyad Group will pave the way for the potential rollout of Zelostech’s RoboVan technology into Oman’s rapidly expanding transport and logistics network.