Komatsu debuts autonomous trolley-powered mining truck

Komatsu has reached a milestone in autonomous mining, becoming the first in the industry to successfully operate a power agnostic electric drive haul truck while autonomously connected to a dynamic trolley line

The trolley assist system, developed to lower carbon emissions and extend engine life, supplies electric power to trucks while they ascend uphill. This targeted delivery of energy increases efficiency and enables faster travel compared to conventional diesel trucks. By combining this system with Komatsu’s FrontRunner Autonomous Haulage System, the company unlocks new levels of fuel efficiency and productivity for mining operations.

This marks the first time in mining history that power has been transferred to a moving, driverless haul truck using a trolley system—underscoring Komatsu’s strategy to merge electrification with automation to support cleaner, more efficient mining.

“This milestone demonstrates the strength of our commitment to improving our integrated technology strategy, combining autonomous haulage with dynamic energy transfer and trolley capabilities,” said Martin Cavassa, director, global business development autonomous systems, Komatsu. “The ability to seamlessly transfer power to a moving truck operating without a driver is a pivotal achievement in our roadmap toward decarbonising mining operations and provides the pathway for managing battery operated trucks autonomously.”

Komatsu’s FrontRunner system, launched in 2008, was the world’s first commercial autonomous haulage application. Today, over 875 autonomous trucks operate globally under the FrontRunner system, having moved more than 10 billion metric tons of material to date. The platform is designed for ultra-class vehicles such as the 980E, which has a payload capacity of 363 metric tons.

This advancement reaffirms Komatsu’s commitment to offering integrated solutions that help customers meet productivity goals, lower ownership costs, and responsibly meet the rising global demand for minerals.