VIST Group (a subsidiary of ZYFRA Group) has successfully tested its new autonomous truck in operations under extreme temperatures from -50°C to +50°C. The autonomous truck, based on the BelAZ-7513R, has demonstrated that it can operate normally in extreme temperatures. During a test drive, the truck operated for 24 hours and completed 468 working cycles, covering a distance of 153 km without human intervention. The main purpose of the test drive was to check whether the autonomous system could overcome the problems caused by snow interfering with its radar and LiDAR systems. The test drive demonstrated that all systems can operate error-free.
VIST says the updated BelAZ-7513R robotic dump truck compares favourably with earlier models thanks to the introduction of a new generation of intelligent control systems:
• electro-hydraulic steering system and brakes with an electronic control system – a fundamentally new development which provides greater flexibility and compactness in steering design through the use of programmable logic controllers to ensure optimal control performance and interaction between the steering wheel and the leading hydraulic cylinders, brake pedal and brake mechanisms;
• more detailed scanning of the surface, including under extreme temperatures;
• shuttle mode reducing tire wear and route time by up to 12% by eliminating superfluous turns.
Robotic dump trucks equipped with VIST Group solutions are already operating at a number of industrial facilities around the globe. In future, there are plans to maximise automation of the truck’s loading capacity as well. The loader itself will be able to build a 3D model of the rock mass to be loaded, determine the order of actions and correlate its movements with the position of the dump truck. The remote operator’s functions will be reduced to issuing expert instructions, thereby enabling one operator to manage 3-5 robotic loaders. These units will improve the overall efficiency of mining operations and give mining companies access to entirely new smart services.
The BelAZ-7513R mining dump truck with a payload capacity of 110-136 t is designed for transportation of rock in the severe mining conditions of deep pits, in open-cast mining and on technological haul roads under various climatic conditions. The BelAZ-78250 is the biggest loader, with a bucket capacity of 11.5 m3 and a payload capacity of 20-22 t. It is equipped with an economical Cummins QST 30-C (1,050 hp) diesel engine with electronic control and a diagnostic system. Due to its increased dimensions, loading height and bucket capacity, this new machine can load dump trucks with a payload capacity of 90 and 130 t.
