Glid Technologies is transforming transportation with innovative autonomous vehicles that can travel on both roads and rails. Based in Utah, the startup is launching a pilot project on California’s historic Skunk Train route, promising to revitalize rural infrastructure while decarbonizing supply chains.
The Evolution of Road-Rail Technology
Road-rail vehicles aren’t new—they’ve been around for over a century, seamlessly switching between roads and railway tracks to handle everything from infrastructure upkeep to emergency response in remote areas. What sets Glid’s design apart is its fusion of that proven dual-mode concept with autonomous navigation and eco-friendly powertrains, turning this workhorse into one of the trucks that redefine power.
Introducing the Autonomous Glider
The star of Glid’s innovation is their autonomous road-rail vehicle called the Glider. This futuristic platform looks unlike traditional vehicles – it has no driver’s cab and functions as a rolling platform with specialized wheels. Despite its streamlined appearance, it boasts impressive capabilities, including the ability to carry fully loaded semi-trailers weighing up to 80,000 pounds on asphalt before transitioning to rail travel at speeds reaching 80 mph. The autonomous system allows it to connect to trailers and navigate without human drivers.
The California Skunk Train Partnership
Glid Technologies has partnered with Mendocino Railway to launch their pilot project on the historic 40-mile Skunk Train route between Willits and Fort Bragg in California. This collaboration will integrate both the Glider M hybrid-powered manned vehicle and its fully autonomous counterpart onto this heritage and freight corridor. “This partnership captures the spirit of the Skunk Train—timeless in its roots, bold in its future,” said Robert Jason Pinoli, President and CEO of Mendocino Railway. “We’re excited to work alongside Glīd to chart a path forward where innovation and tradition not only coexist but thrive.” The project aims to demonstrate how underutilized rail infrastructure can be reimagined for modern logistics while preserving historical routes.
Sustainable Power Systems
Sustainability drives Glid’s engineering approach. The company offers two power system options: the fully electric autonomous model and the GliderM Alpha, which uses biodiesel hybrid technology. Both designs aim to decarbonize local supply chains by providing cleaner alternatives to traditional diesel-powered freight transport. These sustainable power systems could significantly reduce emissions in the logistics sector while maintaining the performance needed for heavy cargo transportation.
Remote Control and Logistics Transformation
Glid’s technology introduces a novel approach to vehicle control. Their autonomous vehicles operate independently on roads but switch to remote human control from a central command center once on rails. This hybrid control system maximizes efficiency while maintaining safety oversight. The potential impact extends beyond just new vehicles – Glid hopes to transform logistics operations for trucking companies, offering cheaper freight options while revitalizing rural and underserved communities through improved access to transportation infrastructure.
