Home Self-driving truck moves deep underground

Self-driving truck moves deep underground

Swedish automaker Volvo wants to make sure its self-driving trucks are able to operate in all environments, including inside a working mine 1,300 meters underground.

Volvo outfitted an FMX truck with sensors to monitor surroundings and recognize moving obstacles. The truck was able to maneuver through the mines without crashing, during the tests.

See Also: What are the levels of vehicle automation?

“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,” said Volvo chief technology officer, Torbjörn Holmström.

The self-driving truck is also connected to a software platform that coordinates with other trucks in a fleet. Volvo says this platform can reduce fuel costs and improve production for industry fleets, like a truck that carries coal through a mine.

With Volvo truck tech, safety comes first

Holmström seems confident in Volvo’s self-driving system, at one point (video above) playing chicken with the truck.

“No matter what type of vehicle we develop, safety is always our primary concern and this also applies to self-driving vehicles,” said Holmström. “I was convinced the truck would stop but naturally I felt a knot in my stomach until the truck applied its brakes!”

Volvo has been very active in the self-driving industry in the past few months, it delivered 100 SUVs to Uber’s self-driving fleet in Pittsburgh and announced a partnership with Autoliv to build an autonomous system earlier this week.

Volvo is also actively testing its self-driving cars in China, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The Swedish automaker wants to have a self-driving car on the road by 2020, but hasn’t given a similar timeframe for its self-driving truck.

It won’t be the only competitor in the self-driving truck market either, Daimler, the parent of Mercedes-Benz, is already testing autonomous trucks on public roads. Uber also recently purchased Otto, a self-driving truck startup, for $680 million.

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the gambling and blockchain industries for major developments, new product and brand launches, game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to in-house staff writers with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Get the biggest iGaming headlines of the day delivered to your inbox

    By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Gambling News

    Explore the latest in online gambling with our curated updates. We cut through the noise to deliver concise, relevant insights, keeping you informed about the ever-changing world of iGaming and its most important trends.

    In-Depth Strategy Guides

    Elevate your game with tailored strategies for sports betting, table games, slots, and poker. Learn how to maximize bonuses, refine your tactics, and boost your chances to beat the house.

    Unbiased Expert Reviews

    Honest and transparent reviews of sportsbooks, casinos and poker rooms crafted through industry expertise and in-depth analysis. Delve into intricacies, get the best bonus deals, and stay ahead with our trustworthy guides.