Autonomous Solutions
Autonomous Solutions
We’ve built a rugged truck that is able to see using sensors, communicate with infrastructure, and perform a complex series of tasks through a sophisticated virtual driver. All this to haul loads efficiently, safely and autonomously in the challenging environments of mines and quarries.
Our advanced communication hardware is mounted on top of the truck, featuring extra cameras for data collection. Integrated 5G antennas offer robust connectivity while GNSS antennas deliver precise satellite tracking, so the truck knows its location. This connectivity setup enables the Volvo FH Autonomous to interact with its environment—communicating with infrastructure like digital and physical gates, coordinating with nearby machinery, and integrating directly with your operational systems. It also supports remote teleoperations.
Our solution is based on a truck and trailer combination designed for complete autonomy. The autonomous trailer, built with the same robust commitment to safety as the Volvo FH Autonomous, is engineered for challenging mining and quarry applications, giving the advantage of additional payload compared to a rigid truck option. With mode lights, advanced perception hardware, and essential software, it integrates with the Volvo FH Autonomous, working in harmony even in the toughest mining and quarry environments.
To make the FH Autonomous as safe as possible, every detail is designed with care—from its bold orange color that enhances visibility in demanding environments to its sophisticated sensor suite offering a full 360-degree view. This integrated system of lidars, radars, cameras, and inertial measurement units (IMUs) enables the autonomous truck to accurately perceive its surroundings, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
We’ve also incorporated indicator lights that clearly display the truck's current operating mode—autonomously, under remote control, or in another state—providing immediate status feedback. Combined with emergency stop and backup braking capabilities for fast, secure halts when needed, the Volvo FH Autonomous embodies our commitment to a safe and reliable autonomous future.
The virtual driver integrated with the Volvo FH Autonomous is developed in-house by Volvo Autonomous Solutions. Designed specifically for confined areas and built on our unwavering commitment to safety, the Volvo Virtual Driver has been rigorously tested and validated through simulations and real-world driving. Integrated with our autonomous trucks, it offers precise control and smooth operations even in challenging conditions, reinforcing our vision of safe and efficient transport solutions.
A stone's throw from the polar circle, deep in the heart of the Norwegian mountains, our autonomous transport solution is transforming operations at Brønnøy Kalk quarry. Featuring seven autonomous dump trucks that transport limestone over a five-kilometer stretch between the mine and the crusher—without a safety driver—this partnership marks a new era for autonomous mining. It demonstrates how humans and machines can work together to revolutionize safety, productivity, and efficiency in the quarrying and mining industry.
