OPERATIONS •

The Industrial Internet of Things ( IIoT ) is rapidly increasing the number of devices , equipment , and vehicles that can be connected . The amount of data being sent and received is

growing significantly . The ability to transmit and receive data from autonomous or remotely controlled assets can allow staff above ground to analyse real-time operational data . Therefore , mining operators can monitor and manage autonomous machinery and equipment over a vast environment by using a robust communications system . This efficient automation can yield enhanced productivity , cost savings , and improved employee safety for mining organisations .

Greater automation : Greater results Autonomy can meet progressively more stringent safety and productivity mandates , as potential safety risks can be alleviated due to reduced worker fatigue . Deployed autonomous assets in the mine ’ s most dangerous areas significantly reduces the need for staff to be placed in harm ’ s way . Autonomous equipment for both drilling and haulage delivers increased productivity gains without the need for an operator to be present .

The Industrial Internet of Things ( IIoT ) is rapidly increasing the number of devices , equipment , and vehicles that can be connected .

There must be no single point of failure or drop-offs in coverage that may detrimentally affect the transmission of information between operational assets and data centres . Therefore , operators leveraging autonomous technologies need to maintain consistent and highly resilient connectivity . Suppose operators stand any chance of accessing real-time visibility of their assets and personnel . In that case , the network infrastructure needs to meet the complex demands of datadriven mining applications seamlessly .

Some mining operators install flexible ‘ mesh ’ networks to keep up with their expanding operations . A mesh network consists of a web of nodes that can transmit and receive data autonomously , communicate directly with one another , and be fitted to autonomous vehicles , machinery , and personnel . Rajant Kinetic Mesh ® has been specifically tailored to bring highly mobile connections to industrial environments . The pioneered and unique Kinetic Mesh provides unwavering robustness and flexibility , eliminating any downtime and dynamically selecting the fastest route for traffic if a path becomes blocked or unavailable .

Autonomous mine inspection It is not a new occurrence that the convergence of robotics and autonomous vehicles can help reach locations and areas that humans cannot . Not only do they eliminate any unnecessary risk , but they can independently scan , sense and explore at will for mining operators . Any interference can cause communications and autonomous applications to temporarily halt or seize

Marnus Kruger , Sales Director – Africa at Rajant Corporation

Rajant Corporation