SURFACE AUTOMATION_proof 23/08/2016 15:51 Page 8
SURFACE AUTOMATION
including high requirements for safety (even a
small error in the object recognition when
running at high speed could cause a crash), and
issues of installing computers powerful enough
onboard for required video image processing
etc. From a practical point of view VIST says that
this lower speed of autonomous controlled
vehicles could actually entail productivity
declines.
The innovation point for VIST at this stage is
that it is possible to correct the non-optimum or
erroneous actions of the operator. Moreover, the
modules will make it possible to carry out some
routine operations automatically.
The complex modules are universal so will be
able to be installed on machinery of any kind, so
are OEM agnostic. This will make it possible to
expand the product market, as nearly all mines
run mixed fleets.
The product has a modular structure with
product deployment consisting of installing the
Platform software and a full or partial list of
modules.
VIST sees the key feature of the product in
terms of having a serious commercial advantage
is in the personnel absence in the mining work
zone and the ability to control essential parts of
operations completely without human
participation.
The project involves testing of autonomous
vehicles, including within dispatch systems in
real conditions of mining production. There are as
yet no examples of the use of fully autonomous
vehicles in surface mining in Russia and the CIS
countries. The introduction would radically
change the technology of production and the
organisation of labour in the Russian and CIS
mining enterprises and foster the emergence of
new modern technology of mining production,
transportation and processing of minerals.
Key participants in the Intelligent Mine project
include coal miner SUEK, which is in the process
The already trialled autonomous BELAZ
75131 130 t truck
of preparing a testing area in one of its open pits
in Siberia.
VIST Group is developing a stand-alone ADAS
and software for autonomous dump trucks as
well as creating a centralised fleet management
system to work with autonomous mining
equipment. It is also conducting engineering
tests in real mine production conditions. On the
truck project it is working closely with truck OEM,
BELAZ on the production of heavy-duty
autonomous dump trucks, with 130 t models
already having been demonstrated. BELAZ sister
company KAMAZ is developing lighter duty
autonomous mining trucks.
Finally, IPKON RAS (Institute of Effective
Utilisation of Mineral Resources of the Russian
Academy of Science) is conducting research and
work related to the change in the regulatory
framework and the rules of mining operations
using robotic technology.
The end of the project is due in December 2018
and target indicators are to be achieved on the
basis of the development of the technology to
increase technical