Autonomous trucks aren’t just for massive mines anymore. Komatsu and self-driving tech company Pronto have joined forces to bring 24/7 autonomous haul trucks to quarries of all sizes. Their Smart Quarry system retrofits existing trucks with sensors and AI, enabling operations to work more safely without requiring a driver in the cab.
The trucks are already being put to work in Oklahoma and Georgia, and they’re just getting started. “Previously, the most advanced autonomy was reserved for the largest mines,” said CEO of Pronto, Anthony Levandowski. “We’re enabling a future of enhanced safety and incredible productivity that is now accessible to quarries of all sizes.”
The Smart Quarry system uses cameras, GPS, sensors, and a central AI brain to run the truck without a human driver. The truck knows where to go, steers clear of obstacles, and keeps things running smoothly to save fuel and stay on schedule. Komatsu claims these retrofitted autonomous trucks help improve safety by keeping people out of high-risk zones, while also delivering more consistent performance than human drivers over long shifts.
Want to see how the Smart Quarry system works? Check out their demo video:
Unlike some past automation tech that only worked in giant mines with perfect roadways and massive budgets, this system is designed to work in smaller, rougher, and more unpredictable quarry sites. The upgrade kit is designed to fit many types of haul trucks already in use, making it easier for operations to adopt.
Good for business, but what about jobs?
Running trucks without drivers obviously saves money. Less downtime, fewer accidents, and no shift changes mean more work gets done faster. That’s a big win for companies looking to boost profits and stretch tight budgets.
But there’s a human side to the story, too. These upgrades might reduce the need for some on-site driving jobs, which could make some workers nervous. Komatsu and Pronto say their goal isn’t to replace workers entirely, but to help operations do more, safely, with fewer people, especially as the skilled labor pool continues to shrink.
In many cases, workers may shift into roles that involve managing, maintaining, or overseeing the autonomous systems, rather than driving trucks all day. That could mean new types of jobs and training in the industry. “It’s a solution that helps drive productivity beyond what was previously possible and can support efforts to enhance safety by facilitating the removal of workers from areas of potential hazard,” Levandowski said.
Automation is quickly changing how quarries run, and Komatsu’s move shows that even smaller operations can get in on the action. No longer a pipe dream, the Smart Quarry driverless trucks are a practical tool for boosting productivity in projects of all sizes and helping firms stay competitive in a tough industry.
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