German-Swiss multinational equipment manufacturer Liebherr – which has a $4 billion contract with Australia’s Fortescue Metals for giant electric trucks and other mining equipment – has unveiled an innovative concept for a single-axle, autonomous hauler that would be capable of transporting payloads up to 145 tonnes.
The Liebherr S1 Vision is aiming at “rethinking truck design” and doing away with core components, and the images released this week do away with everything except for a single axle, two tyres, and an open-box bed.
The S1 Vision features a self-levelling system – similar to a Segway personal scooter – that Liebherr says “ensures maximum stability and safety, even on bumpy or rough terrain” and “significantly reduces the risk of tipping” – even if carrying loads of up to 145 tonnes.
The S1 Vision boasts a zero-turn radius and can travel in all directions, making it effective in virtually all situations regardless of application and the tightest spaces.
It is worth noting, however, a potential giveaway clue for the S1 Vision’s capabilities found in the video above.
Notably, early on in the video, the S1 Vision is shown driving alongside a more traditional haul truck before they part ways on different paths – the haul truck ascending a steep climb, while the S1 Vision takes a lower, flatter path.
This could indicate a lack of traction compared to the more common 4×4 and 6×6 haul trucks, which would not be surprising for a single-axle Segway-style hauler.
Powered by an electric drive, the concept hauler would significantly reduce emissions during operations, while also requiring less downtime for maintenance. Specifically, according to Liebherr, critical components are easily accessible, making for quick servicing and easy replacement of wear parts.
Similarly, being autonomously controlled, the S1 Vision relies on advanced sensors to move independently, avoid obstacles, and navigate traffic. And, if multiple S1 Vision haulers are used in one location, they are able to connect and share real-time information with one another, optimising fleet operations, reducing congestion, and enhancing efficiency.
The company has come to believe that the S1 Vision could be an important tool in a range of product segments – from transporting mining materials to roles in farming and construction.
Liebherr will be displaying the S1 Vision at this year’s Bauma exhibition, the world’s leading trade fair for construction and mining vehicles and equipment, which takes place from 7 to 13 April in Munich, Germany.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.