With the increasing interest in automation of mining equipment, GE and Komatsu signed an agreement for development of new equipment. Modular Mining Systems, a fleet management system that controls majority of the mining market, joined Komatsu in 1996. There have been automation studies conducted all over the world, however, the demand for it still has to build up. Further information about the joint venture:

http://www.komatsu.com/CompanyInfo/press/2014012915364311473.html