Komatsu AHS trucks reach Australian milestone

Komatsu Australia has reached a significant milestone in the local mining industry. Since introducing automated haulage system (AHS) trucks to Australia in 2008, Komatsu announced that the 500th AHS truck is now in operation here, working in Western Australia.

While their application has been contentious due to the human jobs lost, autonomous haulage has become a key part of modern mining. Along with claims of improved productivity, thanks to their ability to drive almost continuously, advocates of autonomous trucks say there are also safety benefits - removing operators from dangerous conditions lowers the risk of accidents and injuries.

Since introducing AHS trucks to Australia almost 20 years ago, Komatsu has steadily expanded their use across major mining sites. What began with small-scale trials has developed into one of the largest autonomous mining fleets in the world. Garry Povah, Komatsu’s General Manager of Mining Automation, says the adoption of AHS trucks shows how quickly the industry has adapted to change.

“Having 500 AHS truck in operation across Australia is a proud achievement for Komatsu and a reflection of how strongly the industry has embraced autonomous haulage,” Povah said. “This milestone not only demonstrates what autonomy has already achieved, but also signals the role it will play in building safer, more sustainable mining operations into the future.”

Central to this achievement is Komatsu’s ‘FrontRunner’ system. This technology serves as the “brain” of its driverless trucks. Along with co-ordinating entire fleets, managing truck navigation and speed, FrontRunner controls loading and dumping cycles to keep operations safe, efficient and predictable - all without an operator in the cab.

Povah added that the scale of Komatsu’s AHS deployment also highlights how far this technology has progressed: “Komatsu’s FrontRunner platform is no longer a pilot project but a mature, proven system with hundreds of trucks working at sites across Australia. Collectively, these trucks contribute to billions of tonnes hauled worldwide each year, demonstrating the efficiency gains and reliability of autonomous mining.

“Autonomy is also becoming a pathway to decarbonisation. Komatsu is investing in battery-electric haul truck technology, with Australian sites expected to play a leading role in trials of zero-emission fleets. The integration of electrification with autonomy promises not only safer and more productive operations, but also a significant step toward meeting the mining sector’s long-term sustainability goals.”