Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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.

by Staff
September 7, 2016
Volvo Deploys Autonomous Truck in Underground Mine

Screenshot via Volvo Group

1 min to read


Screenshot via Volvo Group

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.

Ad Loading...

“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.

More Safety & Compliance

Mobile tablet showing Motus screen against highway background with Motus logo
Fleet Managementby StaffSeptember 15, 2026

FMCSA Pauses Biennial-Update Enforcement Amid Motus Transition

Carriers whose updates were due on or after June 1 have more time, while FMCSA works to stabilize its new registration system and warns of phishing sites impersonating its new carrier registration system, Motus.

Read More →
Presentation slide showing ZF's North American market growth
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeSeptember 10, 2026

ZF Expands Commercial Vehicle Push in North America

ZF is expanding its North American commercial-vehicle presence with new transmission applications, electrification, trailer technology and autonomous-driving systems.

Read More →
Illustration with driver behind the wheel, an alert sign, and a laptop
Driversby Lauren FletcherSeptember 9, 2026

Truck Drivers Need More Than Another Alert

Fleets have more visibility into truck health, safety events, and driver activity than ever. The next challenge is turning all that information into useful guidance for the person who has to decide what to do next.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Tesla Semi electric truck with interior of Tesla Cybercab superimposed on top
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeSeptember 8, 2026

Tesla Wants a Self-Driving Semi. Are Cameras Enough?

Could Tesla’s camera-only autonomous driving technology work on an 80,000-pound Semi? In this commentary, HDT's Deborah Lockridge takes a look at Tesla, Cybercab, and how autonomous trucks see the road.

Read More →
Collage of five autonomous trucks
Safety & Complianceby Deborah LockridgeSeptember 8, 2026

What DOT’s Automated Vehicle Strategy Means for Trucking

The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a new automated-vehicle strategy that outlines plans for driverless-truck regulations, cross-state freight corridors, and federal safety standards.

Read More →
Illustration of NYC skyline with speed limit sign and the major's order in the foreground
Safety & Complianceby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 4, 2026

NYC Expands Speed, Pedestrian Safety Tech Across Fleet

New York City is expanding intelligent speed assistance and pedestrian-alert systems across its municipal fleet, moving the technologies from pilot programs into vehicle procurement and retrofit requirements.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two men in jackets with Homeland Security indicated on the back, standing in a parking lot looking toward a building with trucks in front of it
Driversby Deborah LockridgeSeptember 1, 2026

FMCSA Removes 110 Truck Driver Training Schools from Certified ELDT List

Federal regulators also are targeting more than 160 additional training providers and launching a nationwide audit of third-party CDL skills testers as part of a broader crackdown on trucking fraud.

Read More →
Digital cover feature illustration showing truck inspector looking at trailer in background with the words "Compliance doesn't equal safety"
Safety & Complianceby Deborah LockridgeSeptember 1, 2026

Beyond DOT Compliance: What Makes a Trucking Fleet Truly Safe?

A trucking fleet can follow every rule and still make unsafe decisions. The real test comes when safety conflicts with freight, productivity, or cost.

Read More →
Illustration of tired truck driver, electronic logging device, and traffic congestion

Hours of Service Pilot Programs: FMCSA Readies for 2027 Rollout

Two pilot programs could eventually reshape hours-of-service rules, giving truck drivers options to pause their 14-hour clock or use longer split sleeper rest periods.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Dog in a special pet restraint in the passenger seat of a truck cab, with a photo of pet guide superimposed

New Guide Offers Pet Safety Tips for Truck Drivers

Hundreds of thousands of pets travel in truck cabs. A new safety guide from Volvo Trucks and the Center for Pet Safety offers practical advice for truck drivers who bring dogs and cats along for the ride.

Read More →