Descent of the machines: Volvo's robot mining trucks get rolling

Driverless lorries designed to work specifically in underground tunnels are becoming a reality. How long before they appear on roads?

In a disused military aircraft hangar buried deep in a granite hillside, Johan Tofeldt flicks a switch on the future of mining.

"Look, no hands!" he beams, as the truck lurches backwards and executes a precise reverse. "It's a little heavy on the clutch, but then it's not designed for driver comfort."