Volvo Trucks has announced it will be supplying six of its autonomous FH trucks to Brønnøy Kalk to provide its first commercial autonomous solution to transport limestone.
The trucks will run along a 3-mile (5km) route that encompasses driving through tunnels, carrying limestone from the mine to a crushing machine. The self-driving solution will also deliver limestone to a nearby port.
“It is exciting to reach this point where we introduce autonomous solutions,” said Sasko Cuklev, director Autonomous Solutions at Volvo Trucks.
“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.”
Volvo Trucks has recently rolled out automation projects for mining, sugar cane harvesting and refuse collection, however this marks the first autonomous commercial solution whereby rather than purchasing autonomous trucks, Brønnøy Kalk is buying a transportation solution – specifically the transport of the limestone between the two hubs.
“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,” said 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,” added Nilsson.
