MMK Test Runs Autonomous KAMAZ Trucks
Magnitogorsk Iron & Steel Works (MMK) has begun the testing of an unmanned KAMAZ vehicle at its industrial site. The cargo truck, the KAMAZ-43118, is going through test runs to transport refractory materials from pre-production warehouses to the site where coke plant No. 12 is being built.
MMK previously tested autonomous vehicles in 2021, when it assessed the capabilities of another manufacturer, according to Viktor Shishkin, Director of Autotransport Administration LLC (part of MMK Group). “We’re now testing PJSC KAMAZ’s unmanned cargo truck to operate in winter conditions. In line with the Company’s strategy, we aim to choose the most reliable, efficient and high-tech products that can meet our current production and logistics challenges,” said Viktor Shishkin.
The all-wheel-drive autonomous vehicle with a payload capacity of 10 tonnes uses sensors, cameras and radar, as well as data from its navigation system and instructions encoded in the software, for spatial orientation. During testing, all of the vehicle’s actions are controlled by an operator in the passenger seat. The vehicle is equipped with a speed control system and adaptive cruise control. It can also read road signs, pass through intersections without interfering with other road users, recognise traffic signals and come to a stop to avoid trains at crossings.
According to Dinas Talipov, the chief innovative vehicle specialist at KAMAZ R&D Centre, the vehicle being tested is a standard model that has been specially modified so that it can operate with or without a driver. It can be used at any time and in any weather thanks to various additions, including software that uses a special algorithm to manoeuvre in icy conditions.
Unmanned vehicles are particularly advantageous because of their unlimited operating capacity. A single operator can control more than one vehicle. In addition, unlike people, the vehicles do not tire or make mistakes, even on difficult routes, in low temperatures or in poor visibility. The vehicle’s movements are monitored by an operator in the control room who can intervene, take control or hand it over to the vehicle itself. An antenna installed on the cabin ensures constant communication with the operator and coordination with other vehicles.
“Unmanned vehicles will not only be able to operate on routine routes, but also in particularly difficult conditions or during night shifts,” adds Viktor Shishkin. “They will also solve the problem of personnel shortages. As production processes continue to develop, I believe the use of such vehicles will become essential in certain areas and will enable human resources to be redirected to tackle safer problems that require more creative solutions.”
According to the head of the Autotransport Administration, the Company plans to test unmanned vehicles produced by the Ural Automotive Plant at MMK-METIZ’s metalware calibration plant in the future. The use of such advanced logistics solutions is part of MMK’s development strategy, and unmanned vehicles are set to improve the Company’s transport efficiency and increase its digitalisation.