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Heidelberg Materials is expanding the global deployment of autonomous heavy mobile equipment across its quarry and aggregates operations as the company increases investment in automation and AI-driven operational technologies.
It is moving from an initial “lighthouse project” phase into a broader rollout spanning six sites across North America, Australia, and Europe. The expansion will include around 30 autonomous vehicles in 2026 as part of a wider strategy to deploy more than 100 autonomous vehicles globally by the end of 2028.
The rollout builds on the successful deployment of an autonomous haulage system (AHS) at Heidelberg Materials’ Lake Bridgeport quarry in Texas.
Autonomous Haulage Expansion Targets Quarry Productivity and Safety
In North America, Heidelberg Materials is extending its autonomous haulage system programme to additional sites in Indiana and Texas and is also launching its first autonomous haulage projects in Australia at quarry operations in New South Wales and Western Australia.
In Europe, Heidelberg Materials is beginning an autonomous wheel loader trial at a sand and gravel operation in Northern Germany.
The automation programme covers two heavy equipment categories and is designed to integrate into existing mobile fleets, enabling a more scalable and cost-efficient approach to fleet modernisation.
AI and Sensor Technologies Drive Operational Automation
The autonomous systems use advanced sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to operate haul trucks and other mobile equipment in complex operating environments.
The company said the rollout is intended to improve both operational performance and safety outcomes while also creating additional margin potential through scalable automation technologies.
“Advancing automation and AI applications is a key pillar of our technical excellence agenda as we look to constantly raise the bar for our processes and equipment,” said Axel Conrads, Chief Technical Officer and Member of the Managing Board of Heidelberg Materials.
“With a strong global autonomous deployment team working closely with best-in-class technology partners, we are now focused on scaling the technology in a disciplined, results-driven way.”
Axel Conrads, Chief Technical Officer and Member of the Managing Board of Heidelberg Materials
Mining and Quarry Operators Increase Investment in Autonomous Equipment
The expansion reflects broader industry momentum toward autonomous operations across mining, quarrying, and heavy materials handling sectors as companies look to improve safety, productivity, and operational consistency.
Autonomous haulage systems are increasingly being deployed across resource extraction operations globally, particularly in environments where repetitive transport cycles and large mobile fleets create opportunities for operational automation.
The current rollout forms part of a broader technical excellence strategy focused on digitalisation, automation, and AI deployment across its international operations.
