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Volvo Deploys Autonomous Truck in Underground Mine
Volvo is testing a fully autonomous truck in operations deep underground in the Kristineberg Mine in Sweden as part of a development project aimed at improving transport flow and safety in the mine.
The truck will cover a distance of a little more than 4 miles and reach depths of around 4,300 feet underground, navigating narrow mine tunnels.
"This is the world's first fully self-driving truck to operate under such tough conditions," said Torbjörn Holmström, a member of the Volvo Group executive board and Volvo Group chief technology officer. "It is a true challenge to ensure that everything works meticulously more than 1,300 meters underground."
The fully-automated truck is a specially equipped Volo FMX. Using several sensors, it continuously monitors its surroundings and avoids both fixed and moving obstacles. The vehicle also gathers data to optimize and coordinate the route and fuel consumption. It will be the first real-world operation the vehicle is being tested in.
Volvo Group is featuring the truck in a short video that was made to showcase how a fully autonomous truck can be used. The short film was recorded in harsh operating conditions in the Kristineberg Mine. The film can be seen here.