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Automate New or Existing Fleets
Retrofit or Factory-fit
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Retrofit Autonomy
EACON’s drive-by-wire technology unlocks rapid retrofit capability, allowing the ORCASTRA® system to integrate seamlessly with any OEM (original equipment manufacturer) mining truck. This means full automation without costly new fleet purchases, enabling faster deployment, lower capital outlay and maximum value from your existing assets.
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Factory-Fit Fleet
EACON partners directly with OEMs to deliver factory-fitted ORCASTRA® systems, so new trucks arrive mine-ready for automation. Our technology is compatible with almost all OEM platforms and fully supports both battery-electric and hybrid-electric powertrains.
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ORCASTRA®
Our Autonomous Haulage Solution
ORCASTRA® is EACON’s trademarked autonomous haulage solution, designed tosupport new and existing diesel, hybrid-electric and battery-electric models.
The system is composed of three key elements: CONDUCTOR, PILOT, and CREW.
These systems work together to coordinate autonomous mining trucks, conventional
vehicles, and equipment, to work safely and efficiently towards production goals.
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Lowers Adoption Barriers
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Adapts to Challenging Conditions
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Interoperable with Various Models
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Independent Truck-Level Decision-Making
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Supports Decarbonisation
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Enhances Productivity
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Reduces Safety Risks
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Optimises Operational Costs
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ORCASTRA® CONDUCTOR
CONDUCTOR is our autonomous management platform providing interfaces for operation controllers to manage production targets and AHS system health. With flexible deployment options to suit your site, it supports both cloud-based and on-premise deployments. Key features include: Real-Time Data-Driven Dispatch, Production Management, Map Management, and Reporting.
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ORCASTRA® PILOT
PILOT is the truck's autonomous driving kit available as either an integrated option from the OEM, or as a retrofit option for your existing fleet. Using vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and LTE/5G connectivity, ORCASTRA® PILOT communicates with conventionally-operated vehicles, autonomous vehicles and the CONDUCTOR system to ensure seamless coordination and optimised operations.
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ORCASTRA® CREW
CREW is a collaboration kit installed on all manually operated equipment entering the Autonomous Operations Zone (AOZ) to ensure safety and task coordination. It uses vehicle-to-everything (V2X) and object detection technology among load units, auxiliary equipment and trucks, to realise the efficient integration of autonomous driving with traditional operations.
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Gen 1
Centralised Control
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Fully server-controlled
Low adaptability
Extreme network dependence
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Gen 2
Assisted Autonomy
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Partial truck decision-making
Limited adaptability
High network reliance
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Gen 3
Distributed Intelligence (EACON)
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Independent decision-making
Adaptive to diverse sites
Minimal network dependence
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The Technology Behind Our Product
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High Precision 3D Site Mapping
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Every ORCASTRA® deployment begins with a high-precision 3D site map capturing road geometry, gradients, loading zones and restricted areas with centimetre-level accuracy. Autonomous trucks can update maps locally, reducing field surveys and improving efficiency.
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Localisation & Position Technologies
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ORCASTRA® integrates multiple localisation technologies to deliver consistent positioning even in weak or blocked satellite areas. This continuous tracking supports safe navigation, precise loading and reliable avoidance manoeuvres.
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Vehicle to Vehicle Communication
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ORCASTRA® supports LTE/5G connectivity and direct vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication. Each device shares position, speed and task status, enhancing mutual awareness and enabling safer, more efficient operations.
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360° Perception and Situational Awareness
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With 360° sensor coverage, ORCASTRA® detects equipment, terrain hazards and other obstacles, tracking their position and movement. Combined with V2V data, the system maintains reliable awareness even in poor visual conditions.
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Independent Decision-Making and Planning
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ORCASTRA® combines high-precision map information, real-time perception data and predicted object behaviour through an intelligent decision-making engine. This enables reliable navigation and optimal path-planning through intersections, loading zones and narrow roads.
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Trusted Precision Control
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EACON’s universally adaptive drive-by-wire system enables rapid autonomy capability across any truck fleet, and delivers millisecond-level control of steering, acceleration and braking. Verified on thousands of mining vehicles, it ensures safe, stable and smooth performance.
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System-Wide Operational Efficiency
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ORCASTRA® uses advanced scheduling to monitor site conditions, task requirements and vehicle performance. This intelligent coordination optimises task allocation, eliminates bottlenecks and maximises fleet utilisation.
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FAQ
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Introduction
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Technology
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Deployment
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Safety
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What is Autonomous Driving in Mining Haulage?
Autonomous driving in mining haulage refers to the use of heavy vehicles that operate without a human driver on board. These vehicles use a combination of perception sensors, control systems and software to navigate, transporting ore, waste and other materials safely and efficiently within the mine site.
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How Does Autonomous Technology Assist in Material Movement?
EACON's autonomous solution automates the haulage process through:
Environmental scanning using LiDAR, radar and cameras to identify obstacles and drivable areas.
Onboard computing to plan routes and respond to changing conditions.
Fleet management system integration to receive task assignments and report status.
Automated control of start, stop, load and dump sequences without human input.
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What Benefits Does Autonomous Haulage Offer in Mining?
Improved safety: removes personnel from high-risk zones.
24/7 fleet utilisation: autonomous haulage trucks operate ~22 hours per day including shift changes, vs ~20 hours for human-operated trucks, and can work in extreme conditions.
Optimal efficiency: trucks use route planning for shorter cycle times and fuel efficiency, coupled with consistent, predictable, and repeatable performance.
Reduced downtime: through predictive maintenance, auto-diagnostics, and real-time fleet management that improves coordination and load balancing.
Cost-effective scalability: expand operations without proportional workforce increases, lowering costs via reduced fuel, maintenance, and labour expenditure.
Integrated digital workflows: enhance planning, responsiveness and decision-making.
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Which Sensors and Technologies are Used?
LiDAR: High-resolution 3D environmental mapping and robust object detection.
Radar: Object detection in dust, rain and poor visibility.
Monocular cameras: Object recognition and classification.
Inertial measurement units (IMUs): Vehicle orientation and movement tracking.
GNSS (GPS): Precise location tracking across the site.
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How Do Autonomous Vehicles Navigate Mine Sites?
High-definition mapping of haul roads, dumping areas and loading zones establish a detailed blueprint.
GPS precise and RTK (Real Time Kinematic) correction ensure precise location accuracy.
SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping) provide real-time position updates.
Geofencing constrains vehicles to defined, safe travel corridors.
Fleet management platforms dispatch tasks and monitor vehicle health.
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Can Existing Haul Trucks Be Retrofitted?
Yes. Many legacy vehicles can be retrofitted using:
Drive-by-wire actuator kits for throttle, brake and steering
Sensor suites with protective housing
Onboard compute and communications hardware
This approach avoids the cost of buying new trucks while leveraging existing fleet assets.
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What is the Timeline to Deploy an Autonomous Fleet at a New Site?
A typical phased roll-out spans 3 to 12 months, covering:
Feasibility study and site assessment
Stakeholder engagement and objective setting
Infrastructure upgrades (network, localisation base station, server, etc.)
AOZ (autonomous operations zone) construction
Vehicle retrofit or procurement
Software and communications integration
Pilot testing and safety validation
Training and change management
Gradual scale-up
Performance optimisation and system maintenance
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What are the Key Challenges to Implementation?
Ensuring interoperability with existing operations.
Site readiness (technology and infrastructure).
Operational and maintenance upskilling.
Planning for an autonomous mine.
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What Safety Measures are Built into ORCASTRA®?
Redundant communication link between AHTs and crewed vehicles.
Advanced multi-sensor perception systems.
Collision detection and avoidance.
Working and exclusion zones.
Emergency braking.
Remote stop, shutdown and fire suppression controls.
Traction control and automatic speed restriction.
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