Komatsu Reaches Autonomous Trolley Milestone with Battery-Ready Electric Drive Truck
Continuing its legacy of innovation in mining technology, Komatsu has reached a major milestone: the successful autonomous operation of a power-agnostic electric drive haul truck connected to a dynamic trolley system.
Komatsu’s trolley assist technology is designed to reduce carbon emissions, extend engine life, and support the transition toward a zero-emissions mining future. The system powers haul trucks via overhead lines during uphill travel, delivering electricity exactly where it’s most needed. This approach boosts energy efficiency and enables trucks to climb grades more quickly than conventional diesel-powered models.
By integrating the trolley assist system with Komatsu’s FrontRunner Autonomous Haulage System (AHS), the company is opening new possibilities in mining automation, offering additional fuel savings and operational efficiency. This achievement marks the first time in mining history that electric power has been transmitted to a moving, fully autonomous haul truck through a trolley line—a major step forward in electrified, automated mining.
Since introducing the FrontRunner AHS in 2008—the first commercial autonomous haulage system of its kind—Komatsu has deployed over 875 autonomous trucks worldwide. Together, these trucks have moved more than 10 billion metric tons of material. Much of this success can be attributed to Komatsu’s advanced ultra-class trucks, such as the 980E, which features a 363-metric-ton payload capacity.
This latest breakthrough highlights Komatsu’s continued commitment to developing integrated solutions that help customers reduce emissions, lower operating costs, and increase productivity. By combining the dependability of electric drive systems with the autonomy of FrontRunner, Komatsu empowers mining operations to meet rising global demand for critical minerals in a more sustainable and efficient way.
For more information about Komatsu, please visit: https://www.komatsu.com/en-us
