Komatsu Australia’s AHS milestone

Komatsu Australia has reached a significant milestone with its 500th automated haulage system (AHS) truck now operating in WA. 

Autonomous haulage has become a key part of modern mining, offering both safety and productivity benefits by removing operators from dangerous conditions, greatly lowering the risk of accidents and injuries, with their ability to run continuously drives significant gains in site productivity. 

Komatsu mining automation general manager Garry Povah says the shift to AHS shows how quickly the industry has adapted to change.  

“Having 500 AHS truck in operation across Australia is a proud achievement for Komatsu and a reflection of how strongly the industry has embraced autonomous haulage,” he said.  

“This milestone not only demonstrates what autonomy has already achieved but also signals the role it will play in building safer, more sustainable mining operations into the future.” 

Central to this achievement is Komatsu’s FrontRunner system whicgh coordinates entire fleets, managing truck navigation, speed, loading and dumping cycles to keep operations safe, efficient and predictable — all without an operator in the cab. 

Mr Povah says the scale of Komatsu’s AHS deployment also highlights how far the technology has progressed.  

“Komatsu’s FrontRunner platform is no longer a pilot project but a mature, proven system with hundreds of trucks working at sites across Australia. Collectively, these trucks contribute to billions of tonnes hauled worldwide each year, demonstrating the efficiency gains and reliability of autonomous mining,” he said. 

“Autonomy is also becoming a pathway to decarbonisation. Komatsu is investing in battery-electric haul truck technology, with Australian sites expected to play a leading role in trials of zero-emission fleets.  

“The integration of electrification with autonomy promises not only safer and more productive operations, but also a significant step toward meeting the mining sector’s long-term sustainability goals.”