Next-Gen Mining Automation
Mining automation is transforming operations today, enhancing safety, productivity, and efficiency with seamless integration across remote, tele-remote, and autonomous solutions.
Unlocking the Power of Automation
Smart automation technologies to elevate mining efficiency.
Safety comes very first in Mining. Often enough there are dangerous operations to be done and physical strains put on mining as they work in remote places. Modern radio remote control (RRC), tele-operation and automation technologies (machine control) improve safety for mining people and increase productivity through longer and more consistent machine performance. Nerospec SK uses well proven and integrated technology components from German, Swedish, Canadian and South-African partners for the machine control solutions. Nerospec SK chooses the very best global technology for each specific application and makes sure the integration with the equipment is seamless.
Assisted
supervised
The operator is fully responsible for all functions.
Remote
supervised
The operator is removed from all danger zones and controls the machines remotely, the operator is fully responsible for all functions.
Semi Autonomous
supervised Automation
The machine is semi-
automated and is limited to specific conditions. The Operator is fully responsible for the operation.
Fully Autonomous
autonomous
The full working cycle of the vehicle is conducted completely without human supervision.
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Solution Range
CyberHUB
At the core of each automation tier lies the cyberHUB, a robust and versatile vehicular interface that comprises a controller, data, video, and communication hub, a black box data recorder, an opportunistic data upload system, and a fully integrated A.I. Maintenance and Productivity optimizer. Serving as a universal interface for Trackless Mining Machines (TMM) and Collision Warning Systems (CWS), the cyberHUB enhances productivity and elevates mine safety through the strategic implementation of CRAWL and STOP processes, predictive analytics, while ensuring standardized and secure record-keeping to bolster operational efficiency.
No Travel Time
Operators have no direct proximity to the machine and can easily switch shifts with no travel time to the machine
Anywhere
Can be installed at any remote place underground, on surface or in the world
Machine First
Machine first level service and inspection may need to be done through other resources in case of long travel distances
Installation
Fiber cable installations are required
Machine Capability
Radio Remote Control
Tele Remote
Assisted Tele Remote
Semi Autonomous
Full Autonomous
Radio Remote Control
For line of sight operations in dangerous areas mining personnel is required to leave the equipment and continue to work via a remote-control connection to the vehicle. Depending on the simplicity and visibility at the sight there might be a video transmission required, which can be added.
The RRC system is made-up of the remote control, transceiver unit, mode switch, light beacon. These components work together with the basic machine control system via a standard interface.
The RRC system can also have an Operator Proximity detection system added, which prevents the machine from running into the RC-operator.
Tele Remote
For applications where there is not a consistent line of sight, the Tele-Remote or Assisted Tele-Remote system provides an additional video signal, the required connectivity range. The assisted version also provides steering support to ease the navigation through narrow passages. The basic Tele-Remote system is comprised of an RRC system like above, plus 2 (can also be 4) video cameras and the respective displays. Also for the range of the Tele-Remote distance there need to be wireless amplifies installed every 150 meters.
The Control Station can be at a close or far away location, which then requires a fiber-network connection. Also, it can be a hand-held, truck mounted, regular office or full blown Operator Station in a vehicle type seating, if required.
The system can also have an Operator Proximity detection system added, which prevents the machine from running into the Tele-Remote Operator where a mobile Tele-Ops set-up is used.
Assisted Tele Remote
For operations requiring more precision, the Assisted Tele-Remote system enhances standard tele-remote control by adding steering support to help navigate through tight or complex areas. Operators control the machine remotely with video-assisted navigation while receiving automated steering inputs for smoother operation. The system consists of an RRC system, multiple video cameras, and real-time data connectivity, ensuring better control over difficult terrain. Like Tele-Remote, wireless amplifiers must be installed every 150 meters to maintain a reliable connection.
Semi Autonomous
Semi-Autonomous operation requires the Operator to take over machine control for non-standard tasks, such as loading, unloading, and special positioning operations. Regular tasks like navigation from point A to point B can be done via trained procedures that are activated by the operator. Then the machine will navigate by itself and ask for support once it arrives. This allows operators to operate several machines in parallel, while waiting.
In addition to the Tele-remote set-up Autonomous machines also require an environment sensing technology, like LIDAR and more on-board data processing capacity.
Full Autonomous
Full-Autonomous systems also provide further automated capabilities like automatic loading, automatic unloading, automatic navigation with multiple route options or even autonomous operation without any user intervention for the period of the job assignment.
Operator Station Container
For underground or surface operator stations the Tele-Remote Operator working station can be delivered in an airconditioned container, which only needs to be hooked up to power and the data network. The container can feature one or two Operator stations and a table.
Assessment of Requirements Recommended
In all cases of machine control offering, it is required to do a detailed assessment of the specific mining application itself. This can allow the best fit technology solution is proposed to achieve the expected functionality for the best value for money.
Elevate Your Mining Operations
Explore how Nerospec SK’s automation solutions can enhance safety, efficiency, and profitability in mining operations.
