Fortescue Metals and Scania have partnered to develop and validate a fully integrated autonomous road train.
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 progresses.
“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,” Manfred Streit, Managing Director at Scania Australia, said.
The road train would be developed, tested and validated at Fortescue’s iron ore operations at Christmas Creek.
With Scania’s technology in truck automation, the road train would be integrated with Fortescue’s Fleet Management System, designed to optimise fleet utilisation, and maximise productivity while ensuring efficient fuel and energy consumption to reduce carbon emissions.
It would also integrate Scania’s onboard autonomation hardware and technology for the Scania R770 prime mover platform, coupled with three trailers weighing 120 tonnes with a payload of 240 tonnes.
“This is a great opportunity for Scania to learn more about autonomy in demanding conditions with an innovative partner,” Scania Head of Autonomous Solutions, Peter Hafmar said.
Fortescue Metals Chief Executive Officer Dino Otranto said: “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. This project would help us maximise productivity with unique, low-cost solutions in our mining value chain.”
Scania Australia has been working closely with Fortescue for many years and is pleased to see this joint development project become a reality.
“Their heavy haul trucks operate in an incredibly harsh environment. The local and global mining specialists have devised a solution that will bring both efficiency and safety,” Scania Head of Mining Robert Taylor said.