Australian mining robotics start-up Jevons Robotics has formalised a partnership with UK-based ABD Solutions, part of London-listed vehicle testing and automation group, AB Dynamics.
Jevons is about to send the first of its battery-electric, automated utility vehicles to a Pilbara iron ore mine in Western Australia.
ABD is targeting mining and defence to accelerate deployment of its Indigo-Drive vehicle automation technology, and last year signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Greenland-focused Amaroq Minerals to work on introduction of autonomous mining vehicles in the country. Early last year it announced a partnership deal with Japan’s Kyokuto Boeki Kaisha to automate industrial and mining vehicles.
Jevons says its MoU to integrate the ABD Indigo-Drive autonomy and communications software and hardware with its planned “suite of industrial electric vehicles” will initially be focused on the Perth-based company’s explosives loading unit and other mining equipment.
InvestMETS reported last month that Jevons is aiming to scale up rapidly on the back of a successful introduction of the explosives delivery machine and other vehicle trials.
CEO Todd Peate said ABD was a “globally regarded automation company”.
“We are focused on changing the way the world currently works in hazardous environments,” he said.
“We are working with several mining companies to deploy payload-agnostic driverless electric vehicles to operate safely, efficiently and sustainably within hazardous working environments.”
ABD managing director Matthew Price said the company saw Jevons as a long-term partner.
“We have experience implementing automation across a huge range of vehicles, including electric, so our solutions are great fit for Jevons,” he said.
