OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
RISE OF THE MACHINES
Zach Savit reveals how small-scale autonomous robotic systems fi ll operational and safety gaps in mining operations following primary fl eet automation
Robotic systems are being developed to tackle the enablement issues surrounding adoption of autonomous mining equipment A
s the adoption of automated mining haul trucks and drills continues across the industry, operations that
incorporated autonomy earlier are now fi nding gaps. Not gaps within the capabilities of this technology; but instead how autonomy interacts with broader operational requirements. In most cases, additional questions raised by autonomous haulage and drilling solutions precipitate the identifi cation of these gaps. Although the safety benefi ts of
autonomous operations generally drive implementation, unanswered compliance questions about
autonomous vehicles persist. How does a duty shift change with continuous operation? When are inspections required if no operator shift change occurs? While operators work to answer
these and establish best practices for emerging technologies, a more pressing question emerges: “what comes next?” Mines aiming to increase their
autonomy, reduce labour costs and increase productivity will seek to take the next steps in automation. This pursuit inherently leads continuous improvement teams in one of two directions: fi lling enablement gaps or automating the next group of equipment.
FILLING ENABLEMENT GAPS Each of the new, large-scale automation eff orts in mining require nonautomated activities for eff ective operations. Fuel, lubrication, drilling bits, steel and water all need to be provided for autonomous solutions in haulage and drilling operations. Without these consumables, drilling
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operations would cease. A clear path to enhancing the eff iciency of these operations is automating the delivery and replenishment of these consumables. Fortunately, forward-thinking
companies are developing robotic systems to address these gaps. Consider robotic refuelling solutions such as RAPID, Stratom’s autonomous refuelling, recharging and liquid transfer system. Originally developed to refuel military helicopters and autonomous convoys, the novel system has been adapted for the mining industry to accommodate fuelling autonomous haul trucks. Robotic refuelling technology
relies on visual or lidar scans for localisation, a robotic arm and connection to existing fuelling infrastructure. In addition to providing consumables for autonomous vehicles, this technology can also reduce human exposure to slip, trip and fall hazards in challenging climates. For autonomous drills, the issue
is more complicated. Although autonomous delivery of consumables is feasible – even in rugged mining
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