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[INDUSTRIAL MACHINE INTELLIGENCE]
Autonomous heavy machinery, proven in the real world with Veidekke and Telia.
2026.02.11
Hive Autonomy, Veidekke and Telia conduct Europe’s
first industrial test of autonomous machines in
tunnelling and quarry operations
Norwegian-British AI company Hive Autonomy in partnership with Veidekke and Telia, has completed the first trial of autonomous machines in Nordic construction operations.
The trial saw a robotic dog and an autonomous wheel loader operating side by side at an active quarry and tunnel site, with all machines controlled and monitored from Veidekkes headquarters approximately 100 kilometers away.
The pilot project marks a shift in how the construction industry can deploy artificial intelligence
to control machines in the physical world.
“We see this as the beginning of a new era for the construction industry. Autonomous machines have the potential to improve safety, efficiency and sustainability in our operations.”
Anders Haugen, Executive Vice President – Veidekke Infrastructure
First Time in Active Operations
This trial represents the first time a quadruped robot and an autonomous wheel loader have
operated together in a real industrial environment. Hive Autonomy, founded in Norway and
now headquartered in London, develops AI systems that enable different types of machines to
work together autonomously.
“What sets this apart from previous demonstrations is that the machines operated at an active
construction site, not in a controlled laboratory environment, a clear example of AI enabling
autonomous work in the physical world,” says Christoffer Jørgenvåg, CEO of Hive Autonomy.
5G as the backbone
Telia´s 5G standalone network provided critical infrastructure for the pilot. The dedicated
network solution delivered the low latency and reliability required for real-time control of
autonomous machines.
“This demonstrates the potential of 5G as the next industrial revolution unfolds, where AI
combined with robotics enables physical work to be performed autonomously,” says Henning
Huuse, Business Developer for 5G at Telia.
Real-time machine control requires a network that delivers low and predictable latency, along
with robust coverage wherever the machines operate. Telia's new 5G SA network provided this connectivity over the public mobile network, extended with dedicated coverage inside the
tunnels.
“This is tomorrow’s mobile network, delivered today,” says Huuse.
Pilot Results
The pilot results verify that both functionality and performance in the challenging industrial
environment can be achieved safely and efficiently, and that the technology is ready for
deployment when the conditions are in place. The parties are now planning further rollout of
the solutions for the construction industry.
HIVE AUTONOMY
Hive Autonomy builds physical AI for industrial operations. The company was founded in Norway and is headquartered in London.
ABOUT VEIDEKKE
Veidekke is one of Scandinavia’s largest contractors, undertaking all types of building and construction projects, maintaining roads, and producing asphalt, aggregate and gravel.
ABOUT Telia
Telia Norway is a leading technology company that builds critical infrastructure and delivers innovative products and services in TV, internet and mobile. Telia Norway is part of the Nordic region’s largest telecom company, Telia Company
