The World’s First Driverless Mining Truck Unveiled In China
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China unveiled the new Shuanglin K7, an unmanned mining truck capable of moving sideways like a crab and turning virtually on the spot. This development marks a major step toward modernizing the country’s mining industry. The vehicle was developed jointly by Shuanglin Group and scientists from Tsinghua University.
The model offers the payload capacity and power necessary for continuous 24/7 operation. The vehicle is over 5 meters high and wide, and nearly 14 meters long. The dump truck’s body volume is 100 m³, while the rated payload and maximum loaded speed are 158 t and 29 km/h.
Distributed electric wheel control technology enables lateral movement and the ability to turn on the spot. The Shuanglin K7 is the first unmanned mining dump truck to utilize this technology. Each wheel has its own compact module responsible for drive, steering, and braking. These modules are controlled electronically rather than mechanically, providing more precise and efficient control.
The dump truck supports quick battery replacement in five minutes and can recover up to 85% of its energy through regenerative braking, enabling 24/7 unmanned operation.
The creation of the Shuanglin K7 reflects China’s commitment to fully automating the mining industry. Using these machines reduces human intervention in hazardous production conditions, improves safety, and increases productivity.
