Hitachi Construction Machinery has signed a charter agreement with Rio Tinto subsidiary Technological Resources to develop remote operation technologies for ultra-large hydraulic excavators.
This collaboration aims to advance technologies that support the next generation of mining operations, including operator assist, remote operation, and partial autonomy for digging and loading.
The collaboration focuses on enhancing safety and productivity at mine sites that operate continuously, 24/7, all year round.
Remote operation technologies for ultra-large hydraulic excavators are a significant step in achieving these goals. Hitachi will develop these technologies, while Rio Tinto will deploy the excavators, gather operational data and provide feedback at its Pilbara region mining sites in Western Australia.
Partial autonomy functions will allow operators to set initial digging and loading positions, enabling the system to automatically repeat operations.
By 2030, Hitachi aims to create a platform capable of operating several excavators with partial autonomy across mine locations.
Hitachi and Rio Tinto have previously collaborated on strategic priorities such as verifying the durability of excavator components and evaluating operator-assist technologies.
This new agreement expands their efforts towards autonomous operation technologies, aligning with their medium to long-term road map.
The companies stated that they will continue to test technologies under diverse conditions to establish versatile solutions.
Hitachi Construction Machinery vice-president of mining business unit and executive officer Hiroshi Kanezawa said: “Since entering the mining machinery business in the late 1970s, the Hitachi Construction Machinery Group has driven technology innovation for ultra-large hydraulic excavators in the industry. Our new concept “LANDCROS” embodies our desires for “Customer”, “Reliable”, “Open” and “Solutions”– reliable and open solutions for our customers – and expresses the direction that the Hitachi Construction Machinery Group wishes to take.
“Under this concept, we are confident that open collaboration with Rio Tinto, which has extensive expertise in mining operations, will accelerate the development of highly versatile autonomous operation technologies for the benefit of the whole mining industry.”
