Autonomous Trucks
China National Building Material Group and EACON Mining Technology recently deployed 100 hybrid autonomous mining trucks to TBEA’s South Coal Mine. This is touted to be the world’s “largest fleet” of driverless trucks based at a single operation. “These mining trucks have a robust payload capacity of 90 tons (81.6 metric tonnes) and a product design life exceeding eight years. “Through an integrated intelligent energy management control strategy and thermal management system, the mining trucks have achieved a remarkable maximum fuel saving of up to 30 per cent in various operating conditions.”The partnership next plans to deliver driverless trucks to mines in Australia, South America and the Middle East. Related articlesAuthority investigates driverless vehicle accidentProduction begins at central Qld coal mineNew mine vehicle automation project approvedQld coal worker celebrates 50 years of service.