Fortescue to establish autonomous vehicle research centre

Major iron ore miner Fortescue Metals Group is starting research and development into autonomous vehicle technology in urban environments.

Research is based in Karratha, Western Australia in partnership with the local community, City of Karratha and other partners.

The Fortescue Future of Mobility Centre will use the findings for autonomous technology across its operations.

Fortescue chief executive Elizabeth Gaines says that innovation and emerging technologies, like autonomy, present an opportunity to work closely with the community to bring about mutual benefits.

“We are at the forefront of this technology with our mine operations set to become the first in the world to be fully autonomous and our fleet having safely travelled over 26 million kilometres since the first autonomous truck was introduced in 2012,” Gaines says.

“We are now building on our autonomous capability with the commencement of an autonomous light vehicle trial, at our Christmas Creek mine.

“The emergence of autonomy is one aspect in which our world is changing rapidly, and we intend to be part of the opportunities that it will represent for the mining industry, local communities such as Karratha, and beyond.

“By establishing the Fortescue Future of Mobility Centre in Karratha we will have the ability to develop, test and trial this technology, further contributing to Western Australia’s position as a world leading autonomous hub.

“We’ll be exploring all facets of the future of mobility including software, hardware and various forms of mobility solutions, to see where the opportunities lie,” Gaines says.

Karratha mayor Peter Long says it’s exciting to see another innovative project start in the city.

“While the city will continue to be the hub of resources and energy projects for the nation, we are now entering an exciting new phase of economic development and diversification.

“The city has invested millions of dollars into key infrastructure and amenity upgrades to activate our city centre and provide enhanced facilities and services to our residential and business communities as we strive towards our vision of becoming Australia’s most liveable regional city.

“I am delighted that of all the potential locations around Australia, Fortescue has selected Karratha as its base to develop this exciting and innovative new technology,” Long says.

Dr Fang Chen, data science executive director at the University of Technology Sydney (which will be a leading research provider to Fortescue’s work in autonomous technology) spoke at the official launch of Fortescue’s Future of Mobility Centre.

“Research into new technology and infrastructure will accelerate innovative mobility solutions to accommodate growth and future demands,” Chen says.