The Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO), through the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), has partnered with Chememan Public Company Limited to research and develop Thailand’s first autonomous truck prototype. This driverless truck developed by a team of Thai researchers, represents a pioneering transport innovation designed to shape the future of industrial logistics in Thailand. The project aims to accelerate the commercialization of research and innovation outcomes, advance innovative platform development within the manufacturing sector, and strengthen the overall competitiveness of Thailand’s industrial landscape.

Associate Professor Dr. Kanda Boonsothonsatit, Director of PMUC, stated that this project not only helps reduce business costs, but also significantly enhances operational safety within mining sites. The initiative represents a future transport innovation developed by Thai experts, utilizing Thai skills and workforce, and reducing reliance on imported technology. If successfully implemented and deployed domestically, the project could create a major opportunity to scale up and expand into other industries, including potential export to international markets.

The driverless truck market continues to show strong growth potential. By 2026, the global autonomous truck market is projected to reach nearly USD 2 billion, expanding at an estimated annual growth rate of 15% worldwide. According to data from Thailand’s Department of Land Transport, in 2023 there were a total of 826,493 legally registered private trucks under the Land Transport Act, reflecting an annual increase of 0.43%. However, autonomous trucks have not yet been deployed in Thailand. It is estimated that the market for trucks operating within private company premises, particularly in the mining sector, could represent approximately 4,000–5,000 units.

Dr. Apichai Somboonpakorn, Chief Technology Officer of Chememan Public Company Limited, added that as one of the world’s top ten leaders in the lime industry, Chememan operates with advanced production technologies and innovations across Thailand, Vietnam, and India, as well as a major distribution center in Australia. The company is moving toward becoming a fully integrated “Smart Factory.” As part of this vision, Chememan plans to adopt autonomous trucks in its operations. The project is currently in the research, development, and testing phase, with an expected timeline of 16 months for completion.

The autonomous truck development project integrates advanced technologies to ensure maximum safety and operational efficiency. These include the installation of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), which functions as the vehicle’s “eyes” by creating a three-dimensional map of the surrounding environment. The system is also equipped with Radar, which detects objects and helps prevent collisions by identifying obstacles along the vehicle’s route.

In addition, an AI-powered camera enhances safety monitoring, while GPS and an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) are used to track the truck’s position and movement with high precision. The vehicle’s steering system has been converted to a Drive-by-Wire system, enabling full electronic control of driving functions. The driverless truck prototype will be tested in real operating conditions at Chememan’s mining site and surrounding areas in Kaeng Khoi District, Saraburi Province. The field trials will collect operational data to support further development and future commercial deployment. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in advancing Thailand’s industrial sector into a new era driven by technology and research-based innovation.