Komatsu has autonomously operated a power agnostic electric drive truck while connected to a dynamic trolley line. This marks the first time in the mining industry’s history that power has been transferred to a moving, autonomously operated haul truck via a trolley system.
“This milestone demonstrates the strength of our commitment to improving our integrated technology strategy, combining autonomous haulage with dynamic energy transfer and trolley capabilities,” says Martin Cavassa, director, global business development autonomous systems, Komatsu. “The ability to seamlessly transfer power to a moving truck operating without a driver is a pivotal achievement in our roadmap toward decarbonizing mining operations and provides the pathway for managing battery operated trucks autonomously.”
Komatsu’s trolley assist system is a solution designed to help operations reduce carbon emissions, extend engine life and support the journey toward a zero-emissions future.
By connecting haul trucks to an overhead power line during uphill travel, the system delivers electric power where it’s needed most, improving energy efficiency and enabling trucks to travel on grade faster when compared to standard diesel models.
Integrating this with Komatsu’s FrontRunner Autonomous Haulage System introduces new capabilities in mining automation, enabling further fuel savings and productivity gains.
Komatsu launched FrontRunner in 2008, pioneering the world’s first commercial application of autonomous haulage.
Today, with a fleet of more than 875 autonomous haul trucks commissioned worldwide, Komatsu customers have collectively hauled over 10 billion metric tonnes of material. A primary enabler of moving that amount of material is due to Komatsu’s autonomous haulage solution working with ultra-class trucks, such as the 980E with a 363 metric ton payload capacity.
Image courtesy of Komatsu
