The 4x4 dual-cab ute of tomorrow: 2021 Ford Ranger goes fully autonomous off-road in possible world first

It’s no secret fully autonomous vehicles are a long way from becoming a reality in Australia. Well, that was until four examples of the Ford Ranger were converted into self-driving 4x4 dual-cab utes and deployed off-road in what is possibly a world first.

Local iron ore company Fortescue Metals Group was responsible for developing the Ranger’s fully autonomous conversion, receiving some assistance from Ford Australia along the way.

The four dual-cab utes were retrofitted with an onboard vehicle automation system, which features an integrated lidar/radar perception system that’s responsible for obstacle detection and avoidance.

Read More About Ford Ranger

2021 Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Raptor pricing and specs detailed: Popular Toyota HiLux Rogue and Rugged X rivals increase in cost

The set-up also includes a comprehensive independent safety management and fail-safe braking system as well as extensive built-in system monitoring and fault response capability.

And the aim of the game? These 4x4s remove the need for fitters from the Chichester Hub’s Christmas Creek mobile maintenance team to make about 12,000 28km roundtrips annually to collect equipment and parts.

Local iron ore company Fortescue Metals Group was responsible for developing the Ranger’s fully autonomous conversion.

Fortescue Metal Group CEO Elizabeth Gaines said: “The autonomous light vehicle project is a significant advancement of our in-house automation capability, building on our leading autonomous haulage system (AHS) program, which has already delivered significant productivity and efficiency improvements for the business.

“With the flexibility to introduce similar systems into other mobile assets, this project is fundamental to our future mobile equipment automation projects.”

Read More About Ford Ranger

Why the Ford Ranger could become the most connected ute in Australia

Ford Australia president and CEO Andrew Birkic added: “We’re very proud that our award-winning Ford Rangers have been used as part of the Fortescue Metals Group autonomous light vehicle project.

“Ford globally is at the forefront of research into autonomous vehicles, and working with companies like Fortescue is critical to gaining an insight into specific user applications.”