Komatsu has become the industry’s first to autonomously operate a power agnostic electric drive truck while connected to a dynamic trolley line. The milestone represents a critical step in the OEM’s commitment to helping miners reduce emissions and enhance productivity through advanced electrification and autonomous solutions.
“This milestone demonstrates the strength of our commitment to improving our integrated technology strategy, combining autonomous haulage with dynamic energy transfer and trolley capabilities,” said Martin Cavassa, director, Global Business Development Autonomous Systems, Komatsu.
“The ability to seamlessly transfer power to a moving truck operating without a driver is a pivotal achievement in our roadmap toward decarbonizing mining operations and provides the pathway for managing battery operated trucks autonomously.”
Komatsu’s trolley assist system is a solution designed to help operations reduce carbon emissions, extend engine life and support the journey toward a zero-emissions future. By connecting haul trucks to an overhead power line during uphill travel, the OEM explained, the system delivers electric power where it’s needed most, improving energy efficiency and enabling trucks to travel on grade faster when compared to standard diesel models. Integrating this with the company’s FrontRunner Autonomous Haulage System introduces new capabilities in mining automation, enabling further fuel savings and productivity gains.
The OEM launched FrontRunner in 2008, pioneering the world’s first commercial application
of autonomous haulage. Today, with a fleet of more than 875 autonomous haul trucks commissioned worldwide, Komatsu customers have collectively hauled over 10 billion metric tons of material.