Volvo Autonomous Options (VAS) lately reached a serious milestone in mining effectivity and productiveness, efficiently hauling over 1 Mt of limestone autonomously for buyer Brønnøy Kalk in Norway. It says this achievement underscores the transformative influence of autonomous know-how within the mining and quarrying industries.
Thus far, the autonomous transport answer at Brønnøy Kalk in Velfjord, Norway, has coated greater than 220,000 km. Volvo mentioned this operational observe document underscores the confirmed efficiency of its autonomous transport options underneath demanding, real-world situations.
Nils Jaeger, President of Volvo Autonomous Options, said: “Hauling over 1 Mt of limestone autonomously is a exceptional accomplishment. This milestone highlights how our autonomous know-how is already driving significant outcomes for patrons like Brønnøy Kalk, turning what was as soon as a imaginative and prescient of the longer term right into a actuality at the moment.”
Raymond Langfjord, Basic Supervisor at Brønnøy Kalk, added: “Our determination to undertake autonomy was pushed by the necessity to enhance effectivity, security, and productiveness. This milestone highlights the progress we’ve made and the capabilities of Volvo’s autonomous transport options. We’re proud to be on the forefront of business innovation and to function a chief instance of what autonomous know-how can obtain.”
The autonomous transport answer at Brønnøy Kalk consists of seven Volvo FH vans geared up with VAS’s proprietary digital driver know-how. These vans function underneath difficult situations, effectively navigating a 5 km route between the mine and crusher, which incorporates steep inclination and tunnels. A wheel loader operator manages operations through a contact display, coordinating truck loading and hauling. In 2023, VAS reached a serious milestone for the business by eradicating the security driver at Brønnøy Kalk.
Working underneath the product identify Autona/earth, the answer applied at Brønnøy Kalk extends past autonomous vans. It encompasses a completely built-in ecosystem that features infrastructure, operations, coaching, upkeep, repairs, and fleet administration. Delivered via a Transport as a Service (TaaS) mannequin, Autona/earth is operated by VAS, who’s the transport supplier at Brønnøy Kalk. This mannequin allows Brønnøy Kalk to leverage the advantages of autonomous transport with out having to unravel all of the challenges that include incorporating a brand new know-how into current operations.
Volvo argues that revolutionary options like Autona/earth are set to revolutionise the mining and quarrying industries by enhancing security by eradicating personnel from hazardous environments and productiveness via steady 24/7 operations.
“Autonomy is unlocking unprecedented potential in security and productiveness. Past these clear benefits, our options ship substantial effectivity good points in mining operations via versatile fleet administration, permitting prospects to optimise the variety of vans in operation primarily based on demand. Furthermore, superior information assortment from sensors gives new avenues for operational insights and steady enhancements,” says Mikael Nyth, Operations Supervisor at VAS.
Because the mining business continues to evolve, Volvo Autonomous Options says it stays dedicated to pioneering developments that redefine what is feasible. “This achievement at Brønnøy Kalk is just the start of a journey towards a safer, extra productive future.”
