Driverless dumptrucks revolutionize Norwegian quarry operation
Romarheim quadruple output in 12 months using automated dumptrucks at Eikefet Quarry
BY using autonomous solutions, Norwegian quarrying and infrastructure entrepreneurs Romarheim have reduced safety risks and increased their profit drastically in one year. Now, the company is seeking global partners to further its success.
For more than two years, Romarheim have successfully utilized autonomous dumptrucks at Eikefet Quarry on the western coast of Norway.
During the past 12 months, Romarheims’ driverless vehicles have significantly increased daily operations – from moving 2,000 tonnes of rock per day, they now transport 8,000 tonnes daily.
To further their success, Romarheim are now aiming to connect with potential customers around the world.
Even before Romarheim were established in 2011, founder and chief executive officer of the Norwegian construction company, Kaare Romarheim, and co-founder, Asle Romarheim, had several ideas about optimizing mass transport by automating processes.
In 2020 their ideas were brought to life when Steer AS partnered with Romarheim to develop their Norwegian technology for three autonomous dumptrucks.
After a thorough testing period, Romarheim have now been using driverless dumptrucks for more than two years at the Eikefet Quarry.
As a forward-thinking company, Romarheim are continuously developing autonomous technology. ‘We see immense global potential for its use – especially in industries with health and safety challenges, such as landslide-prone areas and marine fill operations,’ said Kaare Romarheim, whose company has leveraged technology to achieve more cost-effective and efficient operations.
The driverless machines operate 24h a day, seven days a week, and transport the stone along a fixed route in Eikefet Quarry, through a blasted shaft in the mountain that leads the stone down to a crusher.
The excavator operator who loads the stone also controls the autonomous dumptrucks via an iPad from in the loader’s cab.
After two years of operation with autonomous dumptrucks, Romarheim say they have increased regularity, reduced operational and maintenance costs for the equipment, eliminated tedious and repetitive tasks, and at the same time reduced the risk of injuries.
Now they are welcoming interested parties and potential partners to visit their location in Norway. Click here to watch a video showing Romarheims’ autonomous dumptrucks in use.
