Epiroc has partnered with Luck Stone, one of the leading producers of crushed stone in America, to deploy the first fully autonomous SmartROC D65 drill rig in the United States. Epiroc states that this is also the first fully autonomous surface drill rig to be delivered to the global quarry market.
The SmartROC D65 MKII is equipped with Epiroc’s advanced automation technology, enabling it to execute complete drill patterns without an operator in the cab. Compliant with the Global Mining Guidelines Group (GMG) Level 4 standard for full autonomy, the rig operates under remote supervision via Epiroc’s Common Automation Panel (CAP) and Link Open Autonomy (LinkOA) platform, enabling seamless data integration and fleet management.
“Luck Stone’s leadership and commitment demonstrate that autonomy in quarries isn’t future vision – it’s current reality,” said Ron Hankins, Business Line Manager at Epiroc USA. “Our partnership is not about a proof-of-concept; it’s about meaningful operational gains that the next generation of drilling will bring in the U.S.”
Luck Stone, recognised for its early adoption of autonomous plants and autonomous haulage systems (AHS), continues to set the pace for innovation in the industry. The company views automation as a strategic investment in safety, operational excellence, and talent attraction.
“Our philosophy has always been about doing the work in the best possible way,” said Chuck Stilson, Senior Director of Engineering at Luck Stone. “Partnering with Epiroc on autonomous drilling aligns perfectly with that vision. We’re not only improving productivity and safety, we’re providing new opportunities for our associates and rethinking what’s possible in aggregates.”
James River Equipment, a trusted Epiroc dealer, played a key role in facilitating the delivery of the SmartROC D65 MKII and will be instrumental in providing the ongoing local service, training, and technical support essential to ensuring the project’s long-term success.
The U.S. aggregate market is the largest globally and presents significant growth potential for autonomous technologies. Utilising the same automation platform proven in mining, the SmartROC D65 MKII makes it easy for any operation to scale toward full autonomy. By enhancing operational safety, optimising machine fleet size, and addressing skilled labour shortages, this deployment represents a transformative shift in how quarries can operate.
Both Epiroc and Luck Stone have committed to sharing performance data following the implementation period, offering valuable insights for the broader industry and paving the way for future advancements in automation.
