Volvo Puts a Self-Driving Truck to Work in the Mines
Volvo has sent its self-driving technology 4330 feet underground to work in a Swedish mine.
The truck will cover a distance of seven kilometers (4.3 miles) through narrow tunnels using various sensors in conjunction with an on-board transport system that constantly gathers data to optimize the truck’s route and fuel consumption.
The brand put together a video to show the truck operating in the Kristinberg Mine, located in Northern Sweden. Torbjörn Holmström, Volvo Group Chief Technology Officer was there to demonstrate the self-driving rig and he even trusted it enough to step in its way.
SEE ALSO: Volvo, Autoliv Team Up to Develop Self-Driving Cars
“No matter what type of vehicle we develop, safety is always our primary concern and this also applies to self-driving vehicles,” he said. “I was convinced the truck would stop but naturally I felt a knot in my stomach until the truck applied its brakes!”
At this point, the truck is just a concept, though Volvo says that it is being tested in the real-life operation for use in the future.
“This is the world’s first fully self-driving truck to operate under such tough conditions. It is a true challenge to ensure that everything works meticulously more than 1300 metres underground,” says Torbjörn Holmström, member of the Volvo Group Executive Board and Volvo Group Chief Technology Officer.
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
More by Stephen Elmer
Comments
Join the conversation