Volvo announces underground self-driving truck in Swedish mine

Swedish vehicle maker Volvo has announced the introduction of a new truck with self-driving technology to be used in underground mines, in order to improve transport flow and safety.

The truck has the capacity to reach 1,320 metres underground in the difficult conditions of the Kristineberg Mine in Sweden.

Torbjörn Holmström, chief technology officer at Volvo Group, said that the new autonomous truck is the first of its kind.

"This is the world’s first fully self-driving truck to operate under such tough conditions. It is a true challenge to ensure that everything works meticulously more than 1300 metres underground," Holmström said.

The group has released a video to display the new technology, in which Holmström features, testing it by placing himself in front of the truck as it approaches within the mines.

Most of the world's leading vehicle brands have made the first steps towards introducing self-driving technology, but obstacles still remain in its development.

Tesla, one of the pioneers with its Autopilot system, was criticised after the death of a driver in Florida, US came as he was using the technology.

Volvo said that safety was of utmost importance to their new trucks.

"No matter what type of vehicle we develop, safety is always our primary concern and this also applies to self-driving vehicles," Holmström added.