Fully electric, autonomous lowbed trailer system from Sleipner provides transport for mines
A fully electric and autonomous transport system for moving mining and construction equipment has been introduced by Sleipner Finland. The system, targeted at mines already using automated equipment with the infrastructure to support autonomous solutions, will begin deliveries in 2026.
Autonomous mining requires all equipment to be automated, from transport vehicles to drills. The entire site is capable of being operated and monitored remotely and safely, without mining personnel working among the automated vehicles.
"There are already dozens of autonomous mines around the world, and more are coming all the time. Australia is one of the pioneers. The big mining companies are the driving forces in autonomous mining, in part due to their emission reduction targets. By 2030, the goal among mining companies is to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions by half and at the same time automate operations as much as possible. We want to be a pioneer in this development and a market leader in mobilization solutions," says Jukka Koponen, CEO of Sleipner Finland. "Several large equipment manufacturers have already been interested in our new transport system concept, and cooperation discussions are currently underway. We plan to deliver our first autonomous and electric transport system as early as 2026."
The battery-powered system can use renewable energy for the autonomous transport of equipment. It will be scaled to different weight classes, and the autonomous control system interface will be brand independent.
"The autonomous and electric transport system can also be connected to the ecosystems of other OEMs since it has an open interface. Versatility and future needs have been taken into account in the design. The transport system can be used to transport, for example, drills, bulldozers and also battery packs at mines. In this way, battery power can be provided on a large scale, which helps in the electrification of mines and the efficient operation of battery-powered equipment," says Teijo Höylä, CTO at Sleipner Finland.
The new lowbed trailer is designed to work in temperatures from -40 to 50 degrees C, thanks to high-quality materials and components.
Mine automation both reduces emissions and provides mine operators with a solution to prevailing labour shortages in the sector. Technological advances have an impact on occupational wellbeing, as well, due to changing job descriptions.
"Finding sufficient personnel for mines is a global challenge. Automated machines and equipment, such as our new transport system, enable mines to be operated by remote control. In this way, personnel do not have to be exposed to dust and vibration, which improves their wellbeing. Similarly, personnel do not have to work in the field among large machines, which increases safety. If a worker needs to enter the area, all activities must be stopped completely within a certain safety radius. Automated equipment, on the other hand, can work with each other with only certain limitations," Höylä explains.
