Technology Insights

Mining autonomy has long been limited to clean, uniform fleets—but that’s changing. This article explores how retrofit driving robots, modular autonomy layers, and standards like ISO 23725 are opening the door to practical, scalable autonomy across mixed fleets and brownfield operations.

The real challenge in autonomous mining isn't the technology—it's what happens when autonomous trucks need to share space with human operators. Co-mingling is the operational reality for decades to come, and it's far more complex than most realize.

Komatsu and Applied Intuition are reshaping mining autonomy with onboard intelligence, software-defined vehicles, and EMESRT Level 9 safety compliance. Will this progress drive openness—or create closed ecosystems? Explore what this means for the future of mining.

As mining accelerates autonomous adoption, a key question arises: how much OEM cooperation is needed to retrofit fleets? While modern equipment often requires minimal OEM input, real barriers stem from proprietary protocols and commercial interests. The tension between closed-stack control and open innovation defines the industry's challenge in achieving scalable, interoperable autonomy.

Autonomous haulage systems represent one of mining's most significant technological advances, yet many struggle to understand how these complex systems work. By breaking down the technology stack layer by layer - from drive-by-wire controls through vehicle control, mission control, and fleet management systems - we can better appreciate why standardized interfaces between components are crucial. This guide demystifies autonomous mining technology and explains why Open Autonom

Rio Tinto tests interoperable autonomous haulage with Scania trucks and Wenco's Open Autonomy system at Channar iron ore mine.