By Chuck Martin
Volvo Trucks has signed a deal to provide self-driving trucks for the automatic transportation of limestone for a company in Norway.
The agreement between Volvo and Bronnoy Kalk AS calls for six autonomous Volvo FH trucks to run on a three-mile road and in tunnels between a mine and a limestone crusher.
Testing of the self-driving trucks have been carried out, following successful automation projects involving mining, sugar cane harvesting and refuse collection, according to Volvo Trucks.
“This is an important step for us,” stated Raymond Langfjord, managing director of the mine. “The competition in the industry is tough. We are continuously looking to increase our efficiency and productivity long-term and have a clear vision of taking advantage of new opportunities in technology and digital solutions. Going autonomous will greatly increase our competitiveness in a tough global market.”
Rather than purchasing the autonomous vehicles, depicted in a company video, Bronnoy Kalk will pay per ton of product delivered.
