KAMAZ has begun its in-factory trials for its new unmanned dump truck, the KAMAZ-6559. Also known as the "Jupiter 30", it was jointly developed with engineers from Bauman Moscow State Technical University.
The tests will continue until the end of the year. After this, from the testing area of the Scientific and Technical Center of PJSC "KAMAZ", the "Jupiter 30" will be sent to the Kemerovo region. There it will transport loose rock and ore in areas dangerous for human mining activities.
The vehicle has already been showcased to potential buyers from 18 countries at the Astana International Industrial Exhibition at the end of September.
Features of "Jupiter 30"
The cab-less dump truck is capable of transporting goods up to 30 tons in fully automatic or remote mode.
It is controlled via GPS/GLONASS, GSM antennas, 2D and 3D lidars, ultrasonic sensors, radars and video cameras. All this equipment is protected from dust, dirt, moisture and vibrations.
"Jupiter 30" is fully autonomous and as eco-friendly as possible due to the applied sequential hybrid scheme. Its 11.9 liter diesel engine with 450 horsepower starts an electric generator.
The generator transmits energy for two traction motors and charges their traction batteries. When the dump truck brakes or moves down the quarry, these batteries are recharged through the energy recovery system.
The engine's exhaust gases heat the dump truck's platform. In winter, such a system helps to fight soil freeze.
The developers also provided for fuel and resource saving through the all-wheel drive and fully steerable chassis. "Jupiter 30" does not waste time and fuel on turns during loading and unloading: it simply turns its wheels in the desired direction. It can only move at a limited speed, maximum 56 km/h.
According to the developers, the "Jupiter" family will be supplemented in the coming years. Models following the "Jupiter 30" will be even more load-bearing.