The Steer Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) is a complete turnkey solution for autonomous off-highway and articulated dump truck operation in the mining and construction industry. The solution integrates autonomous trucks with loading machines, such as excavators and wheel loaders, allowing operators to control the trucks at the click of a button.
The solution also offers significant cost savings by eliminating the need for truck operators, and allows for optimal production with minimal idle time. It also reduces fuel consumption and wear and tear on equipment, and offers environmental benefits through support for diesel-electric and battery electric machines.
Steer is a leader in field. The Steer Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) is a complete turnkey solution for autonomous off-highway and articulated dump truck operation.
Steer Autonomous has been successfully integrated into two quarries in western Norway - Eikefet and Seljestokken.
At Eikefet the Eikefet quarry in Norway, three Caterpillar 772G off highway dump trucks have been retrofitted with the Steer Autonomous solution. The trucks haul rock downhill from various blast sites to a mine shaft - where the rock later reaches the crusher. The finished product is exported by ship to Europe.
Two Caterpillar 772G trucks is operating in the Seljestokken quarry, keeping the crusher busy all day long throughout the year.
These sites poses large risks for human truck operators: steep cliffs, challenging weather conditions, limited visibility and narrow roads. A fatal accident have occurred at one of the sites before autonomous trucks were introduced.
The Steer Autonomous solution has also been fully integrated into multiple loader machines as well: a Caterpillar 988K XE diesel electric wheel loader, and Volvo 750 and 950 excavators. The means that the operators of these loading machines can command and monitor all aspects of the autonomous operation via a user friendly display.
Safety has been a top priority from day one. The Steer Autonomous Surveillance System uses artificial intelligence (AI) in order to notify loading operators and supervisors of any unexpected traffic (vehicles/people) in the quarry. Strict access control in for form of ports, gates and supervision has also been implemented in the quarry. The trucks themselves has a wide range of sensors and solutions ensuring safe operation in all conditions.
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I am a driver. Will Steer take my job?
No. While our solution may replace the need for a human driver in some instances, it is important to note that skilled operators are still in great demand for other tasks within the mining and construction industry.
How fast does the trucks drive?
Up to 30 kmh / 20 mph.
What happens when a tire blows out?
A tire sensor is used to detect this immediately and stop.
Can the truck operate in tunnels (underground)?
This is not currently supported, but support for this is in our roadmap.
Is your solution CE/ ISO Certified?
Steer Autonomous will be ISO 17757:2017 and ISO 13849-1:2015 compliant within 2024.
What happens if the truck suddenly experiences overheating of brakes, low engine oil etc?
Steer detects all internal truck events and acts accordingly.
Are the loader machines also autonomous?
Humans still operate excavators and wheel loaders - while also keeping track of the autonomous trucks.
What happens if GPS (GNSS) signal is lost?
The trucks are able to safely drive for up to 10 seconds without GNSS coverage - before automatically coming to a stop.