Komatsu is teaming up with technology company Pronto in a new initiative aimed at transforming quarry operations in North America. The two companies have entered into a strategic alliance to deliver autonomous haulage capabilities tailored for quarry-sized trucks, bringing advanced automation to a sector that has traditionally relied on human-operated machinery.
Central to this collaboration is Komatsu’s Smart Quarry Autonomous System, a platform that integrates Pronto’s self-driving software directly into Komatsu’s haul trucks. This approach allows quarry operators to benefit from the same kind of precision, efficiency, and safety enhancements that have long been used in large-scale mining—but on a scale suited to smaller operations.
Anthony Levandowski, CEO of Pronto, described the move as a turning point for the industry. According to him, autonomy has historically been available only in the largest mines, where budgets and infrastructure could support such systems. “Working with Komatsu means more than just adding technology,” Levandowski said. “It’s about reshaping heavy industry. By merging Komatsu’s robust machines and extensive service network with our adaptable autonomy platform, we can make round-the-clock, safe, and highly productive operations accessible to quarries of all sizes.”
Komatsu’s leadership echoes that sentiment. Jason Anetsberger, Senior Director for Customer Solutions, explained that the company’s long history with autonomous haulage in mining provided the foundation for this new offering. “We know what works at scale, and now we’re applying that expertise to help quarries achieve similar gains,” he said. “The system not only boosts productivity but also allows workers to be removed from areas where they might be at risk.”
The new OEM package is designed with flexibility in mind. Operators can retrofit existing Komatsu haul trucks to be fully autonomous or purchase new units equipped with Pronto’s technology from the factory. Once in place, the system can run continuously with minimal human intervention, keeping production steady while reducing the need for operators to be on-site in potentially hazardous conditions.
Safety is one of the primary drivers behind this initiative. By automating the haulage process, the system removes drivers from active quarry environments, helping to reduce accidents and exposure to dust, noise, and moving equipment. Additionally, the consistent operation enabled by autonomy supports more predictable cycle times, improved fuel use, and lower operational costs.
Another advantage lies in the data insights provided by the Smart Quarry platform. The integrated software tracks operational metrics in real time, giving managers the information they need to streamline processes, manage resources, and optimize output across their sites.
For Komatsu and Pronto, this partnership signals a step toward making cutting-edge mining technologies available to a much broader segment of the heavy equipment industry. By adapting large-scale automation for quarries, they aim to set a new operational standard—one that blends safety, productivity, and innovation in a way that’s achievable for businesses of every size.
