Join us at CIM CONNECT 2026

As autonomous haulage technology matures, the challenge for mining operators has shifted from enabling driverless trucks to integrating autonomy into the broader business. Success depends on a well-structured change management plan, the importance of a phased deployment strategy, clear governance, and a focus on value realization. This presentation will give a holistic view of what it takes to deploy Autonomous Haulage Systems at scale, drawing on real world experience across multiple operations. It outlines the critical elements that consistently drive success, including alignment between operational goals and business outcomes, while also highlighting common pitfalls that can hinder progress, such as gaps in change management, misaligned governance, and underestimating organizational readiness.

As mining operations push for lower emissions and improved energy efficiency, hybrid-electric power systems are emerging as a practical bridge between conventional diesel fleets and fully electric haulage. This joint presentation between SMS Equipment and Cummins – Frist Mode outlines the rationale behind hybridization and shares early insights from real-world pilot programs evaluating a new hybrid-electric retrofit system for mining equipment. Following the prototype’s unveiling in 2025, pilots across diverse mine environments in the Americas are providing valuable data on performance, integration, operator experience, and site readiness. This session will highlight key learnings from these ongoing trials and discuss considerations mines can begin preparing for as the technology progresses toward commercial deployment. Attendees will gain an objective, experience-based understanding of how hybrid systems may fit into evolving decarbonization and productivity strategies.