Scania & Australia's Fortescue Collaborate to Develop Autonomous Road Train

Scania and Australia's Fortescue have agreed to jointly develop and validate a fully integrated autonomous road train solution for the global mining industry. The autonomous solution will be developed, tested and validated at Fortescue's iron ore operations in Christmas Creek, Queensland.

With Scania's technology in truck automation, the autonomous solution will be integrated with Fortescue's Fleet Management System (FMS) designed to optimise fleet utilisation and maximise productivity, while ensuring efficient fuel and energy consumption,

The solution will also integrate Scania's onboard autonomation hardware and technology for the Scania R770 prime mover platform, coupled with three trailers weighing 120 tonnes with a payload of 240 tonnes.

Scania is taking orders for autonomous trucks that will be delivered in late 2026.

Peter Hafmar, Head of Autonomous Solutions, Scania, says: "This is a great opportunity for Scania to learn more about autonomy in demanding conditions with an innovative partner."

Manfred Streit, Managing Director at Scania Australia, adds: "By utilising Scania's extensive knowledge in supplying trucks to the mining industry and our expertise in autonomous driving, the Road Train solution will reduce the overall mining footprint." . 

Fortescue Metals Chief Executive Officer, Dino Otranto, comments: "Our deep expertise in autonomous haulage has enabled us to jointly develop a unique autonomous solution that unlocks high grade, satellite deposits for us to mine economically. This project will help us maximise productivity with unique low-cost solutions in our mining value chain."  

Scania and Fortescue share the same values in safety, operational efficiency and reducing carbon footprints.