Scania, alongside Australian company Fortescue, are working to jointly develop and validate a fully integrated autonomous road train solution, they said in a joint announcement on 27 September.
With Scania’s technology in truck automation, the autonomous solution will be integrated with Fortescue’s Fleet Management System (FMS) designed to optimise fleet utilisation and maximise productivity, while ensuring efficient fuel and energy consumption to reduce carbon emissions. The solution will also integrate Scania’s onboard automation hardware and technology for the Scania R770 prime mover platform, coupled with three trailers weighing 120 tonnes with a payload of 240 tonnes.
The global mining industry is transforming, and autonomous solutions are receiving more attention. The challenges can now be approached with sustainability in mind, as technology development in this field is gaining speed.
“By utilising Scania’s extensive knowledge in supplying trucks to the mining industry and our expertise in autonomous driving, the Road Train solution will reduce the overall mining footprint,” said Scania Australia MD Manfred Streit of the autonomous solution, which will be developed, tested and validated at Fortescue’s Christmas Creek in Queensland.
“This is a great opportunity for Scania to learn more about autonomy in demanding conditions with an innovative partner,” added Peter Hafmar, head of Autonomous Solutions, Scania.
Fortescue Metals CEO Dino Otranto noted that the project will aid in its mission to maximise productivity using low-cost solutions.
“Our deep expertise in autonomous haulage has enabled us to jointly develop a unique autonomous solution that unlocks high grade, satellite deposits for us to mine economically,” he added.
Source: Scania