Volvo Autonomous Solutions (VAS) has achieved a major breakthrough in autonomous industrial transport, surpassing 1,000,000 metric tons of limestone hauled for Brønnøy Kalk at a quarry in Velfjord, Norway. This accomplishment demonstrates the increasing viability and efficiency of autonomous technology in demanding industries such as mining and quarrying.
The fully autonomous transport operation, which covers a 5-kilometer route between the limestone mine and crusher, has now logged over 220,000 kilometers — equivalent to circling the Earth more than five times. Since its launch, the system has moved a staggering volume of limestone equal in weight to approximately 273 Eiffel Towers.
Nils Jaeger, President of Volvo Autonomous Solutions, described the achievement as a testament to the transformative power of autonomous transport: “Moving more than a million metric tons of material without human drivers is an incredible milestone. It proves that what once felt like futuristic ambition is now a practical solution delivering real-world value.”
The success of this operation rests on a fleet of seven Volvo FH trucks equipped with VAS’s proprietary virtual driver technology. These autonomous trucks navigate complex terrain that includes tunnels and steep gradients, all while maintaining safety and efficiency. The operation is overseen by a wheel loader operator who coordinates truck movements using a touchscreen interface, ensuring smooth and synchronized loading and transport. Notably, in 2023, VAS eliminated the need for a safety driver at the site — a significant industry milestone that underscores the maturity of the system.
Raymond Langfjord, General Manager at Brønnøy Kalk, emphasized the motivations behind adopting autonomy. “Our focus was on improving operational efficiency, boosting safety, and enhancing productivity. This achievement validates those decisions and reflects how Volvo’s solutions have delivered on their promise. We’re proud to be leading the way in this technological shift.”
The system in place at Brønnøy Kalk operates under the brand name Autona/earth and is part of a comprehensive, integrated Transport as a Service (TaaS) model. This all-inclusive setup is managed entirely by Volvo Autonomous Solutions and includes infrastructure, training, maintenance, operations, and fleet oversight. For Brønnøy Kalk, this means they gain the benefits of cutting-edge autonomous technology without needing to manage its complexities internally.
Mikael Nyth, Operations Manager at VAS, highlighted the broader implications of autonomy in industrial settings. “Beyond safety and productivity improvements, autonomy offers unmatched flexibility in fleet management. Customers can scale their transport capacity based on demand, and thanks to advanced sensors, we can continuously gather data for operational insights and long-term optimization.”
This milestone at Brønnøy Kalk represents more than just an impressive number — it signals a turning point for how heavy industries can operate. With real-world proof of concept and tangible results, autonomous transport is not just coming — it’s already here, driving change one load at a time.
