OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
The RAPID autonomous refuelling, recharging and liquid transfer system
environments – loading and unloading present additional hurdles. Robotic arms will be the key to solving this challenge, but the technology still requires adaptation and real-world testing. Looking ahead, autonomous
inspections will facilitate greater operational freedom for autonomous equipment. Only maintenance needs (preventative or reactive) will limit a vehicle’s utilisation and availability in the future.
AUTOMATING THE NEXT GROUP Autonomous vehicles made the first inroads into mining before the turn of the last century. Although many of the world’s largest operations are pushing the envelope with autonomy, adoption rates vary. Autonomous fleet purchases are driven primarily by Australia, with Canada in a distant second. These purchases are increasing in size and frequency and almost exclusively focus on the primary fleet – large haul trucks, LHDs and large drill rigs. The logical next step is automating
smaller ancillary vehicles and their work — the secondary fleet. This secondary fleet is critical to the operation of the mine and currently requires significant labour. The delay in automating these
ancillary vehicles is due to the specificity and technical nature of
their tasks. The primary fleets’ tasks are sometimes less technical than those of the secondary fleet and are an easier target for automation. This next stage often requires new, more complex autonomous behaviours, sensing techniques as well as different integration into fleet management systems (FMS) than haulage and drilling. Developing these repeatable yet
valuable autonomous behaviours is challenging but possible. It will, however, require serious cooperation between mining operators and technology firms that understand the specific requirements of mining environments and can deliver robust solutions capable of thriving in those conditions.
DRIVING THE PROCESS FORWARD Identifying these gaps only becomes possible after initial autonomy deployment. Although critical to the long-term success of any technologically adept operation, these are secondary concerns for operations just now embracing autonomy. Mines that have successfully
implemented large-scale autonomy will be well positioned to adopt secondary fleet or enablement automations. Once the operation is ready, the process for implementing these smaller-scale autonomy and
robotic solutions is similar to the previous iteration. Consequently, operators will likely approach these new technologies with less fear and hesitancy and more wisdom. A greater understanding of the workplace culture and integration methods will facilitate a quicker path to achieving value from these technologies. These examples represent just
some of the gaps identified after automating large-scale, primary fleets. As an industry, we should explore all possibilities to achieve the safest, most efficient production possible. Addressing operational and safety gaps with autonomous robotic systems empowers the mining industry to continue evolving and enhancing mine productivity and worker safety.
Zach Savit is with Stratom:
www.stratom.com
www.engineerlive.com 25
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