Pronto and Hitachi Construction Machinery have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a strategic partnership aimed at advancing open mine automation solutions. Through this partnership, the two companies aim to deliver automation solutions that provide customers with a broader range of options to address challenges such as improving mining operations and adapting to changing business environments.

Mining companies are increasingly seeking practical and scalable solutions that help improve productivity and safety while also addressing labor shortages. In particular, they are looking for open automation solutions that can be flexibly deployed according to the operating conditions of each mine, while making use of existing equipment and technologies from different manufacturers and avoiding excessive dependence on a single technology platform or vendor ecosystem. Hitachi Construction Machinery and Pronto share the view that meeting these expectations requires an open ecosystem that brings together expertise in mining operations, mining equipment, digital technologies, and automation technologies, enabling solutions to be flexibly adapted to the specific needs of each mine.

The partnership will combine the strengths of both companies. Pronto is the global leader in OEM-agnostic Autonomous Haulage Systems (AHS). Its industry-first tiered AHS portfolio retrofits onto existing haul trucks from any manufacturer and scales from regional quarries to ultra-class, deep-pit operations. Pronto's systems have autonomously hauled millions of tons in commercial mixed-fleet operations, with production deployments spanning three continents. The company's mission is to make autonomous haulage practical, affordable, and available to every mining operation worldwide.

Hitachi Construction Machinery has long supported mining operations around the world through the provision of mining equipment and brings deep expertise in mining operations, together with a global customer base. Looking ahead to its planned transition to the LANDCROS brand in April 2027, Hitachi Construction Machinery is promoting co-creation by openly connecting products, technologies, and partners to deliver new value to customers.