The aggregates industry is undergoing a turning point.
The collaboration between Swedish giant Epiroc and U.S.-based Luck Stone has produced the world’s first fully autonomous surface drill rig, the SmartROC D65 MKII. This launch marks the beginning of a new era, where advanced technology is redefining safety, productivity, and quarry operations.
SmartROC D65 MKII – the drill rig that works on its own
The new rig comes equipped with a complete automation package, capable of carrying out the entire drilling cycle without an operator on board. Monitoring and control are handled through intuitive digital interfaces, and the rig complies with international Level 4 autonomy standards. In practice, this means a machine that can turn a drill plan into reality, fully autonomously, while keeping operators safe at a distance.
A bold step forward for the industry
Luck Stone is no stranger to innovation, having previously tested autonomous haulage systems and digital production management solutions. However, the introduction of a fully autonomous drill rig represents a major leap. The benefits are clear: reduced risk for personnel, optimized fleet utilization, and a direct response to the skilled labor shortage facing the industry.
Statements that confirm the future direction
Representatives of both companies emphasized that this project is not an experiment, but a real-world implementation with immediate production impact. Epiroc officials stressed that autonomy is no longer a vision of the future but a present-day reality, while Luck Stone sees this collaboration as an opportunity to “raise the bar” in terms of safety and operational excellence.
Local support, global vision
The project was supported by dealer James River Equipment, which will provide long-term service, training, and maintenance. For the U.S. aggregates market—the largest in the world—this step confirms that autonomous technologies can be successfully applied outside traditional mining operations.
Key Technical Specifications – SmartROC D65 MKII
- Machine class: Surface drill rig for quarries and mining operations
- Hole range: 110 mm to 203 mm diameter
- Maximum drilling depth: up to 54 m
- Engine: Caterpillar C15, 403 kW (540 HP), Tier 4 Final
- Operating weight: approx. 24,000 kg
- Drilling system: High-pressure DTH (Down-The-Hole) for improved efficiency and precision
- Autonomy: Level 4 (GMG standard), with fully autonomous drilling cycles
- Control platforms: Common Automation Panel (CAP) and Link Open Autonomy (LinkOA), enabling integration with other equipment and fleet management
- Optimized fuel use: Fuel-Save technology reducing consumption by up to 15% compared to previous generations
- Connectivity: Telematics system for performance monitoring, reporting, and predictive maintenance
What’s next?
Both Epiroc and Luck Stone have announced that they will share performance data and results after implementation, helping accelerate the adoption of autonomous technologies across the aggregates industry. This spirit of collaboration could drive not only higher productivity but also a paradigm shift in the way quarries are designed and operated..