Volvo Trucks to provide first commercial autonomous solution by 2019

Volvo Trucks signs an agreement with Bronnoy Kalk to provide an autonomous solution of transporting limestone from an open pit mine to a nearby port.

By Autocar Pro News Desk

21 Nov 2018

4410 Views

Volvo Trucks to provide first commercial autonomous solution by 2019

Raymond Langfjord, Managing Director of the Brønnøy Kalk mine, sees new opportunities in technology. “Going autonomous will greatly increase our competitiveness in a tough global market.”

Six autonomous Volvo FH trucks will transport limestone over a five-kilometre stretch through tunnels between the Bronnoy Kalk mine and the crusher.

Claes Nilsson, president of Volvo: We are proud to be able to present an autonomous solution which will meet the challenges of our customers both in terms of safety, reliability and profitability.

The vehicles are fully autonomous and are managed from the outside by the operator of the wheel loader.

Volvo Trucks supplies the vehicles and takes responsibility for the transportation of limestone. For Bronnoy Kalk, this means increased flexibility and efficiency.

During the testing phases a safety driver sits in the cab, but in real operation the trucks are completely autonomous. It will be fully operational by the end of 2019.

Volvo Trucks signs an agreement with Bronnoy Kalk AS in Norway. Volvo Truck’s solution for Bronnoy Kalk consists of limestone being transported by six autonomous Volvo FH trucks on a five-kilometre stretch through tunnels between the mine itself and the crusher. Tests of this solution are said to have been carried out successfully and will continue throughout 2018 to become fully operational by the end of 2019.

Bronnoy Kalk is specifically buying a transport solution for the transport of the limestone between the two hubs. The agreement involves a deal whereby the customer buys a total transport service and pays per tonne delivered. The deal covers an autonomous hub-to-hub solution transporting limestone at Bronnoy Kalk in Velfjord, Norway. The autonomous Volvo FH trucks are managed by the operator of a wheel loader. The route includes driving in both tunnels and outdoor environment.

Raymond Langfjord, managing director of the mine said, “The competition in the industry is tough. We are continuously looking to increase our efficiency and productivity long-term, and we have a clear vision of taking advantage of new opportunities in technology and digital solutions. We were searching for a reliable and innovative partner that shares our focus on sustainability and safety. Going autonomous will greatly increase our competitiveness in a tough global market.”

According to Claes Nilsson, president of Volvo Trucks, “The global transport needs are continuously changing at a very high pace and the industry is demanding new and advanced solutions to stay ahead. Our aim is to be the leader of the development of products and services to respond to these demands”, continues Claes Nilsson.

Sasko Cuklev, director autonomous solutions at Volvo Trucks said, “By working in a confined area on a predetermined route, we can find out how to get the best out of the solution and tailor it according to specific customer needs. This is all about collaborating to develop new solutions, providing greater flexibility and efficiency as well as increased productivity.”

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