Lume Robotics – bringing customisable autonomy to Brazilian mining
Lume Robotics, based in #Vitoria, #Brazil, is making a name for itself in mining #truckautonomy. International Mining Editorial Director Paul Moore caught up with #LumeRobotics CEO, Ranik Guidolini. He explained it uses data collected by external (#LiDAR, #radar, #IMU, #GPS) & internal (#vehicleodometry) sensors to generate instant maps & locate the vehicle on maps. The system is Level 4 autonomy meaning that is does not require human interaction & the vehicle can make its own decisions based on #AI.
He estimates it is capable of reducing accidents by up to 94% & in cost terms can reduce operating expenses by up to 17% & labour costs up to 75%. “We have a great cost benefit – we have a lower price point than truck OEM and even non-OEM systems in the market but we offer the same functionalities. Our system is also highly reliable – we are also based in Brazil which is important for our clients here. And then our system is highly flexible and customisable.”
As an example, Lume Robotics presented its solution to a multinational mining company headquartered in the US back in 2021 and following a proof-of-concept truck trial in 2022, it has been working closely with them since at their #phosphate mine in Brazil, which has led to a commercial rollout this year. This is in the setup phase with one truck, but others will follow. The truck is a Mercedes-Benz AG #Actros.
As stated, the Lume system has all the capabilities it needs to map the environment, with the primary sensor used being Ouster LiDARs.
Another POC in mining was conducted with Votorantim Cimentos at one of its limestone quarries – using another Mercedes truck version known as MARTA which stands for mining autonomous robotic truck Arocs. This truck was a partnership with Vix Logistica, one of the largest logistics companies in Brazil, which also has a major equity participation in Lume Robotics.
Lume has a formal partnership with Mercedes-Benz to automate Mercedes trucks in Brazil in the off-road sector – in mining but also for other sectors.
Lume’s solutions in mining are also not limited to haulage – it has also developed a Locomotive Maintenance Facility Monitoring System for Vale. Also at the Tubarao iron ore port in Vitoria, Lume deployed an autonomous Mercedes-Benz water truck for dust suppression on roads, in partnership with Vale & Ufes - Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo.
Elsewhere, bus maker Marcopolo S.A., in partnership with Lume Robotics, in 2022 unveiled the first prototype of an autonomous minibus in South America. After a successful initial phase, the first evaluation was conducted in March 2023 at the ArcelorMittal Brasil steel plant in Tubarao. Another major mining client headquartered in Norway is also trialling a Lume POC MARTA model truck with the potential to rollout the tech across its operation in Brazil which has over 150 50 t class trucks.
#futureofautonomy #AHS #autonomoushaulage
