Volvo Trucks North America parent, Volvo Truck Corp. of Sweden, recently entered an agreement to equip Norway limestone producer Brønnøy Kalk AS with six dump body-bearing FH cabover models programmed for driverless operation. Following individual vehicle demonstrations last year, the fleet will be deployed in 2019 to haul rock from underground mine to crusher—navigating a three-mile tunnel and outdoor road route at a wheel loader operator’s direction.
The agreement represents a Volvo Trucks first: Rather than purchasing autonomous vehicles, Brønnøy Kalk is buying a limestone transport solution. “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 to specific customer needs,” says Volvo Truck Director of Autonomous Solutions Sasko Cuklev.
“Global transport needs are changing at a very high pace and the industry is demanding new and advanced solutions to stay ahead,” adds President Claes Nilsson. “Our aim is to be the leader of the development of products and services to respond to these demands.”