Q&A

For years Volvo Construction Equipment has operated wheel loaders via remote control in underground mining operations, first for very dedicated tasks and more recently increasing the flexibility and scope of their operation. A recent test program with mining company Boliden examined both standard WiFi and a 4G+ communication system built with the help of Ericsson, on a machine located more than 400 m (1,300 ft) below ground. Though the program was deemed a great success by both companies and considered an important step on the pathway to truly autonomous machines, they agreed that a more robust communication system was necessary. Hello 5G.

Volvo CE is now trialing 5G mobile connectivity in a two-year partner program by Telia and Ericsson, this time employing a remote-controlled wheel loader, the L180H, in a 25-hectare constructionsite setting in Eskilstuna, Sweden. Calle Skillsäter, Volvo CE's technical specialist for connected machines, offers some insights on the technology, this latest trial program and where it can go from here, in this edited exchange provided by the company.