The autonomous road train, developed by Scania and Fortescue, will be tested and validated in Christmas Creek, Queensland, Australia.
The Road Train Combines Scania’s Automation with Fortescue’s Fleet Management System
Scania announced on 27 September 2024 that it had officially partnered with Australian company Fortescue to develop and validate a fully integrated autonomous road train solution. The autonomous solution will be developed, tested, and validated at Fortescue’s iron ore operations in Christmas Creek, Queensland, Australia.
The global mining industry is transforming and autonomous solutions are receiving more attention. The challenges can now be approached with sustainability in mind, as technology development in this field is gaining speed.
“By utilising Scania’s extensive knowledge in supplying trucks to the mining industry and our expertise in autonomous driving, the Road Train solution will reduce the overall mining footprint,” said Manfred Streit, Managing Director at Scania Australia.
Automation Meets Fleet Management System
With Scania’s technology in truck automation, the autonomous solution will be integrated with Fortescue’s Fleet Management System (FMS) designed to optimise fleet utilisation and maximise productivity, while ensuring efficient fuel and energy consumption to reduce carbon emissions.
The solution will also integrate Scania’s onboard autonomation hardware and technology for the Scania R770 prime mover platform, coupled with three trailers weighing 120 tonnes with a payload of 240 tonnes. “This is a great opportunity for Scania to learn more about autonomy in demanding conditions with an innovative partner,” said Peter Hafmar, Head of Autonomous Solutions at Scania.
Fortescue Metals Chief Executive Officer, Dino Otranto explained, “Our deep expertise in autonomous haulage has enabled us to jointly develop a unique autonomous solution that unlocks high-grade, satellite deposits for us to mine economically. This project will help us maximise productivity with unique low-cost solutions in our mining value chain.”
Scania Australia has been working closely with Fortescue for many years, and is pleased to see this joint development project become a reality. “Their heavy haul trucks operate in an incredibly harsh environment. The local and global mining specialists have devised a solution that will bring efficiency and safety,” said Robert Taylor, Head of Mining at Scania Australia.
