First autonomous Volvo Trucks sent to work near Norwegian limestone mine

Volvo Trucks has signed a landmark agreement with Brønnøy Kalk AS, a limestone mining company in Norway, to provide its first commercial autonomous solution ferrying limestone from an open pit mine to a nearby port.

The agreement involves six autonomous Volvo FH trucks that will carry limestone across a 5km stretch through tunnels. Tests of the solution have been carried out successfully and will continue throughout 2018 to become fully operational by the end of 2019.

Previous to selling its first commercial solution, Volvo Trucks has been involved in various automation projects involving mining, sugar cane harvesting and refuse collection.

Volvo Trucks said the agreement was not so much the sale of six driverless trucks but a complete solution transporting material between two hubs. Therefore, the mine will be paying Volvo according to the tonnage of material delivered.

“This is an important step for us,” said Brønnøy Kalk AS Managing Director, Raymond Langfjord.

“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.”

President of Volvo Trucks, Claes Nilsson, said the company is proud to be able to present an autonomous solution which meets the challenges of its customers in terms of safety, reliability and profitability.

“The global transport needs are continuously changing at a very high pace and the industry is demanding new and advanced solutions to stay ahead,” he said.

“Our aim is to be the leader of the development of products and services to respond to these demands.”

Volvo Trucks Director of Autonomous Solutions, Sasko Cuklev, said it is exciting times for the company as it reaches the point of introducing autonomous solutions.

“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,” he said.

“This is all about collaborating to develop new solutions, providing greater flexibility and efficiency as well as increased productivity.”