Things continue to move fast in the world of autonomous trucks pilots and trials, with the oil sands a major interest area. Imperial Oil has already confirmed it is trialling a fleet of autonomous Caterpillar 797F trucks with seven set to be running by end 2018. And of course Suncor is doing a phased implementation of autonomous haulage systems (AHS), starting with the North Steepbank mine and followed by Fort Hills, with 150 autonomous trucks planned by 2023, including the 930E but also the new 980E.

But next up with a trial will be CNRL in 2019. IM contacted the company which had this to say: “Canadian Natural continually evaluates a range of technologies to deliver productivity gains, cost reductions and environmental performance. To date, we have achieved significant efficiencies through continuous improvement of our operating practices. Among the technologies being evaluated is autonomous vehicles that has the potential to provide maximum equipment efficiencies and utilisation. Canadian Natural continues to build on research completed to date and we are planning to carry out a small pilot in our oil sands mining operations in 2019.” It is not yet clear if the trial will take place at the Albian Sands Jackpine or Muskeg River mines (CNRL 70%) or its 100% owned Horizon operations.