AUTONOMOUS HAULAGE
Two decades of AHS perspective
Komatsu recently commissioned its 1,000th AHS truck with FronRunner- IM spoke to Mike Rikkola, Vice President, Software- Defined Vehicle and Autonomy Platforms
Q Earlier in 2026, you commissioned your 1,000th AHS truck with FrontRunner- indicative of your longevity and success in the market since the firs commercial trucks in 2008- can you give some idea of how FrontRunner has evolved in that time?
Komatsu’ s commissioning of its 1,000th ultra-class autonomous haul truck is an important milestone, but what is most meaningful to us is what it represents for customers, nearly two decades of collaboration, learning and continuous improvement in real mining environments. Since FrontRunner was first commercially deployed, the system has evolved from a highly capable autonomous haulage solution into a broader, more integrated platform for mine performance. Over the last decade, we have also advanced how autonomy connects with adjacent technologies, including autonomous water trucks, remote and centralised control, enhanced data and diagnostics, and electrification pathways such as trolley assist. The result is a system that is not only moving trucks autonomously, but helping customers manage haulage as part of a connected, increasingly intelligent mine ecosystem.
Q There is a lot of focus today on OEM agnostic autonomy- specifically systems that do not tie you to one brand of truck. From a Komatsu perspective is this something you are now being asked to do more often; have you done it at any sites so far and what is your strategy with regard to offering a mixed fleet AHS option going forward?
Customers are increasingly looking for autonomy strategies that protect long-term flexibility, and Komatsu understands that most mines operate complex fleets that may include multiple truck classes, equipment types and OEMs. Our strategy is to meet customers where they are, while continuing to deliver the reliability, safety and performance expected from Komatsu. FrontRunner is integrated with Komatsu electric-drive trucks, which helps protect machine performance and system integrity, but our technology roadmap is also focused on scalable interoperability and the ability to support customers’ broader operational goals. Where mixed-fleet requirements exist, we work closely with customers to understand the mine plan, risk profile, traffic environment, existing systems and business objectives before determining the right path forward. We see mixed-fleet capability as an important part of the future of autonomy, and we are continuing to develop solutions that can help customers scale automation in a practical, site-specific and value-driven way.
Q here is a lot of focus on being able to operate AHS trucks in the same area as manned machines- Komatsu has previously referenced it has been working on this‘ blended fleet’ capability- can you give some insight into what has been achieved to date with blended fleets?
Blended-fleet operation is a key area of focus because it reflects the reality of modern mine sites. Even when autonomous haulage is well established, mines still rely on graders, dozers, light vehicles, service trucks, water trucks, infrastructure support equipment and, in some cases, manually operated production units. Komatsu’ s approach is to help customers introduce and expand autonomy in a way that supports safe, productive interaction across the broader operating environment. Progress to date has centred on improving traffic management, interaction protocols, operating procedures, system visibility and the ability to manage autonomous and non-autonomous assets in shared production areas. The objective is not simply to allow different machines to coexist, but to help the mine operate more predictably, with fewer interruptions and a clearer path to scaling autonomy. Each site is different, so implementation is always tailored to customer requirements, local regulations, operational maturity and the risk controls needed for that specific environment.
Q The issue of compatibility of trolley assist( or other forms of dynamic charging) with autonomy has yet to be resolved- can you give an update on where you are currently with AHS and trolley assist operation?
Komatsu sees trolley assist and autonomy as highly complementary technologies, particularly as customers look for ways to improve productivity while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. A major step forward was Komatsu’ s successful autonomous operation of a power-agnostic electric-drive truck while connected to a dynamic trolley line, demonstrating that power can be transferred to a moving, autonomously operated haul truck. That achievement is important because trolley operation requires precise vehicle control, route discipline and system integration, all areas where autonomy can create value. Our work continues to focus on developing reliable, repeatable solutions that support customer requirements in real mine conditions, including alignment, connection, operating procedures, infrastructure interfaces and the broader controls needed for safe trolley operation. We view this as part of an integrated roadmap where autonomy and electrification advance together to help customers improve energy efficiency and productivity. having operated for over 144,000 working hours with zero safety incidents and moving more than 58 Mt of material at client sites like Whitehaven Coal’ s Maules Creek with a fleet of 28 EH5000 trucks. It utilises subsidiary company Wenco International Mining Systems’ Fleet Management System( FMS). HCM will continue to offer this OEMled AHS for its own trucks including the new-5 models like the EH4000AC-5, supported from its Technological Centre of Excellence in Brisbane.
U & M close to commercial AHS operation
U & M is the largest contract miner in Brazil and is distinctive in taking its own AHS approach and developing a system largely independently to be able to offer autonomy as a service. At one of its contract mining locations it is well advanced with trials using a fleet of five retrofitted Cat 777 trucks. At the Exposibram 2026 event in Belo Horizonte in August it also showcased the solution and launched a call for EOI from Brazilian mines and with one of those expects to be able to declare commercial production from day one, which could happen as soon as Q1 2027. All the five current converted trucks are 777Fs and U & M has kits ready in stock for three extra trucks. The kit will also work with all off road trucks in the U & M contractor fleet( Komatsu HD785, 730, 930 and Cat 777B,
C and F). The difference is only the steering actuators. The rest of the kit is identical for all models. The company told IM that it is also advancing onboard perception using imagery from smart cameras and not only radar and LiDAR. This upgrade is planned for late 2027. Finally it is also advancing V2V communication with new hardware and software, tailor made by its own team, which is also planned for the late 2027 upgrade. What is really notable about U & M as a contractor is that it is running the autonomous operation using its own fleet management system called Colmeia. This is fully functional now and capable of handling small to mid-size operations up to around 20 trucks currently.
28 International Mining | SEPTEMBER 2026