Massive driverless fleet marks major leap in smart mining technology and industrial automation

In a historic milestone for the mining industry, China has deployed the world’s largest fleet of AI-powered autonomous electric mining trucks, marking a major breakthrough in the use of intelligent technologies for heavy industry. A total of 100 driverless trucks have been launched at a major coal mine in Inner Mongolia, according to reports on Thursday.

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The fleet, named “Huaneng Ruichi,” was developed by Huaneng Mengdong, a subsidiary of the state-owned Huaneng Group, in collaboration with Huawei Technologies. The vehicles integrate a suite of advanced technologies, including 5G-A connectivity, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, intelligent battery-swapping systems, and high-precision mapping.

“This is the largest single deployment of autonomous mining vehicles globally,” said Li Shuxue, chairman of Huaneng Mengdong. “It sets a new benchmark for efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability in mining logistics.”

Enhanced Efficiency in Harsh Conditions

The AI-driven trucks are fully autonomous and capable of loading and unloading materials without human intervention. Built to withstand the extreme weather of Inner Mongolia’s mining regions, they operate reliably in challenging conditions.

According to Huaneng, the smart fleet could increase transportation efficiency by up to 20% compared to traditional manned trucks—helping reduce costs and improve output in a sector where logistics are critical.

Part of China’s Smart Mining Strategy

This launch is a key part of China’s broader effort to modernize and automate its industrial sectors. The project was developed in collaboration with Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group and the Beijing University of Science and Technology, combining public and private expertise.

The China National Coal Association has forecasted that the country’s automated mining truck fleet will surpass 5,000 units by the end of 2025, potentially reaching 10,000 by 2026—an indication of the fast-growing momentum behind smart mining in China.

Huawei’s Expanding Industrial Footprint

Huawei’s role in the project underscores its growing influence in AI-powered industrial solutions. Known for its leadership in 5G infrastructure, Huawei has been expanding into heavy industry applications, using its communication and cloud technologies to enable real-time coordination and control in complex environments like mines.

The trucks are connected via Huawei’s 5G-A (advanced) network, which ensures ultra-fast, low-latency communication—critical for autonomous vehicle operations across vast mining sites.

A Glimpse into the Future of Mining

With this launch, China has taken a bold step toward the future of autonomous mining, setting a global example for large-scale automation. The deployment not only promises higher productivity and safety but also supports efforts to make mining more sustainable by replacing diesel-powered machines with electric, AI-optimized alternatives.

As the world watches China’s smart mining ambitions unfold, the “Huaneng Ruichi” fleet is a clear signal that AI and automation are transforming the core of traditional industries—one truck at a time.