Volvo Autonomous Solutions removes safety driver at Brönnöy Kalk
The autonomous transportation system created for Brönnöy Kalk comprises of seven completely automated Volvo FH trucks and a virtual driver created by V.A.S. The trucks transport limestone from the mine to the crusher in difficult circumstances that include a steep incline, severe weather, and protracted sections of dark tunnels.
Velfjord, Norway- Volvo Autonomous Solutions (V.A.S.)., achieves the removal of the safety driver in an active commercial mining operation at Brönnöy Kalk mine in Velfjord, Norway. The autonomous transportation system created for Brönnöy Kalk comprises of seven completely automated Volvo FH trucks and a virtual driver created by V.A.S. The trucks transport limestone from the mine to the crusher in difficult circumstances that include a steep incline, severe weather, and protracted sections of dark tunnels.
Nils Jaeger, President of Volvo Autonomous Solutions said, “A long-held vision is now a reality. Removing the safety driver in an active commercial transport operation in some of the world’s most challenging conditions is a major leap for the industry. With this milestone we are underlining V.A.S.’s leadership in autonomous driving and paving the way for safer and more efficient future for the mining and quarrying industries.”
The Brönnöy Kalk solution was developed since 2018 and offers not only a significant technological advance but also intriguing new business opportunities. This is due to the fact that Brönnöy Kalk is purchasing autonomous transport capacity from V.A.S. rather than a truck or machine.
Sven-Erik Gustafsson, Head of Solutions, Mining and Quarry at V.A.S. said, “While autonomy brings unprecedented benefits to the industry, incorporating new technologies into existing operations can be a daunting challenge for many customers. By providing a complete solution that encompasses everything from software to site infrastructure to training to operations, we are able to reduce complexity for customers like Brönnöy Kalk and enable them to be a part of the autonomous future.”
The system consists of seven Volvo FH trucks, a proprietary virtual driver for limited spaces designed by V.A.S., infrastructure, training, and a thorough repair and maintenance program.
To coordinate the process and contact the trucks for loading, the wheel loader operator uses a touch screen within the machine. The wheel loader operator calls the trucks for loading and controls the transport operation using a touch screen within the wheel loader.
