Story

Focus on automation

2018-06-19

The Volvo Group has been carrying out research into autonomous vehicles and the transport systems of the future for several years. The group has produced a number of examples of self-driving concept vehicles for use in restricted areas, such as mines and ports. The latest example is Vera, a system in which autonomous electric vehicles are coordinated to ensure as efficient, and safe goods transport as possible.

Here are examples of the Volvo Group’s activities in the field of automation.

In 2016 the group presented a self-driving truck, the Volvo FMX, in the Kristineberg mine in northern Sweden. Watch this exciting video. Volvo’s fully autonomous truck is the first in the world to be tested in operations deep underground.
In 2017 the group demonstrated a self-driving refuse truck for use in an urban environment as part of a research project in collaboration with the recycling company Renova. Watch the video and see how automation can contribute to enhanced traffic safety, improved working conditions and lower environmental impact.
2018 Volvo Trucks signed a landmark agreement with Brønnøy Kalk AS in Norway to provide its first commercial autonomous solution transporting limestone from an open pit mine to a nearby port.
In Brazil Volvo Trucks is investigating whether self-driving trucks can make an important contribution to the sugarcane harvest.

As part of the Volvo Group’s Innovation Summit in Beijing in November 2017, a demonstration was given of Hub-2-Hub, a concept truck that can travel autonomously from one hub to another. Watch the video.
The HX2 is an autonomous, electric load carrier developed by Volvo Construction Equipment. The second-generation concept machine is part of an electric site research project. Read more about the machine.
To tackle one of boating´s most stressful maneuvers, docking, Volvo Penta has revealed an advance self-docking solution. Read more here.
Volvo Buses has demonstrated a 12- metre autonomous bus. A prototype based on Volvo´s commercially produced electric city bus. Watch the video.
In the public transport system in Singapore , Volvo Buses develop and test autonomous and electric city buses.
Volvo Truck presented Vera, a system in which autonomous electric vehicles are coordinated to ensure as efficient, and safe goods transport as possible. Watch the video