Mining and infrastructure technology provider Epiroc has announced what it says is an industry breakthrough, expanding the capabilities of its autonomous underground mine trucks by enabling operation in surface environments, paving the way for end-to-end autonomous hauling and dumping cycles. The company says it is using its Deep Automation suite of automation systems and applications, combined with 3D light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology for localisation, mapping, and obstacle detection.

“Trucks are the natural starting point for this technology, given their long operating distances and the fact that their operating cycles often extend from underground production areas to surface dumping locations. By using a common system for automated underground and surface hauling, with advanced obstacle detection, we can scale this solution to other machine types in the future,” says Epiroc Underground division global product manager: deep automation, trucks Johannes Mutamba.

A live demonstration of the underground-to-surface truck automation technology was held earlier in the year at the Epiroc World Expo customer event, where attendees also witnessed the battery-electric mine truck automatically detecting and stopping for obstacles placed in its path, demonstrating its built-in safety capabilities. 

“Surface environments present unique challenges compared to underground operations due to fewer positioning references and changing weather conditions. By moving from traditional two-dimensional sensors to a three-dimensional (3D) LiDAR system, we improve environmental awareness and get more reliable positioning,” says Epiroc underground division automation specialist Robert Lundh.

The company notes that the introduction of 3D LiDAR localisation, mapping, and obstacle detection marks another step in its ongoing journey to advance truck automation, adding that, following the implementation of 3D ramp visualisation in deep automation and the automation rollout for the Minetruck MT65 S, it further demonstrates its commitment to accelerating the adoption of safe, productive, and scalable autonomous solutions.