Volvo testing autonomous electric haulers

A Volvo autonomous electric hauler being tested in a Swedish quarry.

Volvo Autonomous Solutions and Holcim Switzerland, a supplier of concrete and aggregate products, have entered a collaboration to jointly test and further develop the use of autonomous electric haulers in a limestone quarry.

Holcim’s Gabenchopf quarry in Siggenthal has been chosen as the site for the project. The battery-electric haulers currently being tested mark a significant step in the industry, Volvo said as not only are they quieter and more sustainable than conventional haulers, they are also safer, the world’s first commercially available CE-certified electric, autonomous transport solution for the quarry and cement industries.

“This project show-cases a sustainable transport solution that is commercially viable and combines the technology shifts of connectivity, automation and electrification,” said Nils Jaeger, president of Volvo Autonomous Solutions.

“Through a strong partnership with Holcim Switzerland this will happen in a real environment driven by two committed companies dedicated to jointly presenting the future.”

“We are delighted to partner with Volvo on this project,” said Simon Kronenberg, CEO of Holcim Switzerland and Italy. “Our participation in this project represents another step towards fulfilling our sustainability objectives: we seek solutions that are both innovative and environmentally responsible and we are constantly investing in measures to reduce our ecological footprint in order to help build a sustainable future.”

The testing and likely deployment of electric haulers in its quarry is part of Holcim’s digitization initiative “Plants of Tomorrow”. As part of the initiative, Holcim is testing automation technologies, robotics and artificial intelligence throughout the entire production process in order to develop innovative solutions for a safer, more efficient and more sustainable cement production.

“Volvo’s ambition is nothing less but to bring the future of infrastructure and transport solutions to our customers in a commercially viable way,” Jaeger said, “and this innovative commercial project represents the next phase of this journey.”