Hexagon and Mineral Resources partner on the world’s first automated road-train solution
6 December 2021
(Perth, Australia, December 6, 2021) - Hexagon’s Autonomy & Positioning and Mining divisions today announced the development of an automated road-train solution with leading mining services company, Mineral Resources Limited (MRL). To be deployed on MRL’s haulage fleet, the solution integrates drive by-wire technology with an autonomous management system to orchestrate vehicle movement in road-train haulage. The automated road-train solution focuses on safety, productivity and sustainability for MRL operations and will be phased in over the next two years.
Both companies are confident that progressive automation will profoundly change the safety and economics of mining where macroeconomic challenges, including commodity prices and labour shortages, impact the feasibility of projects.
The automated road-train solution improves the safety of long-range haulage, provides cost-efficiencies and reduces emissions to assist companies in lowering their carbon footprint. Beyond mining, this innovative solution will also benefit bulk haulage in many other off-road primary industries.
“Autonomous vehicles are revolutionizing the way we work today and into the future, and Hexagon is very proud to be part of this revolution,” said Ola Rollén, President and CEO of Hexagon. “Our agreement with MRL further solidifies Hexagon’s commitment to autonomous mobility and fulfilling our customer’s safety and productivity requirements.”
Today’s announcement follows a successful proof-of-concept completed with the specific economic constraints of iron ore and other bulk commodities. MRL provided their deep expertise and knowledge in road-train haulage while Hexagon, a global leader in digital reality solutions, drew upon their proven experience in autonomy.
MRL’s Mining Services Chief Executive Mike Grey commented, “MRL is a leading provider of innovative and sustainable mining services and we continuously seek ways to improve productivity, efficiency and safety across the mining supply chain through new technologies; these automated road-trains are no exception.”
“They will enhance the safety and operational efficiency of our long-distance road-train haulage fleet, reducing the risks of driver fatigue and increasing fleet availability,” Grey added. “This autonomous technology will complement our wide range of innovative mining service solutions.”
For further information, please contact:
Mining Inquiries:
Neville Judd
Communications Director
Hexagon’s Mining division
T: +1 604 505 6154
Click here to send Email
Autonomy Inquiries:
Jessica Fielding
Senior Manager, Global Marketing
Hexagon's Autonomy & Positioning division
Tel: +1 (403) 919-3388
Click here to send Email
About Hexagon | NovAtel
Hexagon is a global leader in sensor, software and autonomous solutions. We are putting data to work to boost efficiency, productivity, and quality across industrial, manufacturing, infrastructure, safety, and mobility applications.
Our technologies are shaping urban and production ecosystems to become increasingly connected and autonomous — ensuring a scalable, sustainable future.
Hexagon's Autonomy & Positioning division is a global technology leader, pioneering end-to-end solutions for assured positioning for land, sea, and air. Its solutions power intelligent positioning ecosystems in vital industries and safety-of-life applications, enabling the advancement of the Autonomous X (cars, UAVs, industrial vehicles, trains, vessels, and more). The division includes leading brands NovAtel, Veripos, and AutonomouStuff.
Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B) has approximately 24,500 employees in 50 countries and net sales of approximately 5.8bn USD. Learn more at hexagon.com and follow us.
About Mineral Resources
Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN) is a Perth-based leading mining services provider, with a particular focus on the iron ore and hard-rock lithium sectors in Western Australia. Using technical know-how and an innovative approach to deliver exceptional outcomes, Mineral Resources has become one of the ASX’s best-performing contractors since listing in 2006.
