A Volvo autonomous electric hauler being tested in a Swedish quarry.

Volvo Autonomous Solutions and Holcim Switzerland, a supplier of concrete and aggregate products, have entered a collaboration to jointly test and further develop the use of autonomous electric haulers in a limestone quarry.

Holcim鈥檚 Gabenchopf quarry in Siggenthal has been chosen as the site for the project. The battery-electric haulers currently being tested mark a significant step in the industry, Volvo said as not only are they quieter and more sustainable than conventional haulers, they are also safer, the world鈥檚 first commercially available CE-certified electric, autonomous transport solution for the quarry and cement industries.

鈥淭his project show-cases a sustainable transport solution that is commercially viable and combines the technology shifts of connectivity, automation and electrification,鈥� said Nils Jaeger, president of Volvo Autonomous Solutions.

鈥淭hrough a strong partnership with Holcim Switzerland this will happen in a real environment driven by two committed companies dedicated to jointly presenting the future.鈥�

鈥淲e are delighted to partner with Volvo on this project,鈥� said Simon Kronenberg, CEO of Holcim Switzerland and Italy. 鈥淥ur participation in this project represents another step towards fulfilling our sustainability objectives: we seek solutions that are both innovative and environmentally responsible and we are constantly investing in measures to reduce our ecological footprint in order to help build a sustainable future.鈥�

The testing and likely deployment of electric haulers in its quarry is part of Holcim鈥檚 digitization initiative 鈥淧lants of Tomorrow鈥�. As part of the initiative, Holcim is testing automation technologies, robotics and artificial intelligence throughout the entire production process in order to develop innovative solutions for a safer, more efficient and more sustainable cement production.

鈥淰olvo鈥檚 ambition is nothing less but to bring the future of infrastructure and transport solutions to our customers in a commercially viable way,鈥� Jaeger said, 鈥渁nd this innovative commercial project represents the next phase of this journey.鈥�