SIMULATOR TRAINING memory of operational procedures , Immersive said .
Karadjian at Immersive , said : “ Immersive Technologies is at the forefront of workforce development for autonomous haulage mining operations with deployments of simulationbased training solutions in more than 17 autonomous sites globally , by utilising blended learning systems , simulation and human performance analytics our solutions are preparing the workforces of the future .”
Back in 2019 , Rio , Caterpillar and WesTrac signed an agreement to supply and support mining machines , automation and enterprise technology systems at Gudai-Darri , with Rio confirming the supply of a fleet of 20 autonomous 793F trucks as well as four autonomous blast drills .
Gudai-Darri will deliver a new production hub for Rio Tinto ’ s iron ore business in the Pilbara . Once complete , the mine will have an annual capacity of 43 Mt , underpinning production of the Pilbara Blend , Rio ’ s flagship iron ore product .
A modular approach with Doron ’ s 700MV™
Doron Precision Systems ’ 700MV™ Haul Truck Driving Simulator is specifically designed for surface mining training . The driving position for the haul truck configuration replicates a typical vehicle in the 300 to 400 ton payload truck class that has set the benchmark worldwide for high production in most of the world ’ s larger open pit mines . The driving position is fully equipped with a functional set of controls , instruments and switches including operational horns , radios and an adjustable seat . Doron ' s 700MV™ Shovel Simulator replicates the cab of a typical shovel used in surface mining . The simulator can be customised to replicate the actual shovel most commonly used for surface mining operations . Using two or more simulators , one instructor can train multiple operators at a time using Doron ’ s side-by-side coordinated training method . Both simulators were also on show at MINExpo 2021 .
With Doron ’ s modular design , the operator position of the simulator can also be changed in minutes . This approach allows training on several vehicle types without the expense of buying a unique simulator for each machine . The 700MV also provides high-resolution graphics that it says are far superior to projection displays . Additionally , flat screen displays do not require alignment and ongoing adjustments , minimising maintenance expense . All Doron simulators include dozens of short , targeted training scenarios , each with a specific training objective . A Scenario Developer tool enables instructors to customise training , where instructors can quickly create new scenarios and modify existing scenarios . Finally there is the option of a Three Degree-of-Freedom Motion System which adds realism to the training experience . This low-maintenance design provides realistic feedback to operators , similar to what is experienced in the actual machines .
Immersive launches PRO5 with ‘ unmatched realism ’
The PRO5 was also unveiled by Immersive Technologies for the first time publicly at MINExpo 2021 , along with the announcement of its new innovations . Equipped with a professional grade visual system , the PRO5 is “ the first mining simulator to combine stereoscopic 3D , a one-piece curved display , photo-realistic graphics and RealView™ head tracking technology .”
The company says that PRO5 “ delivers realism at a level not previously seen by the mining industry . The platform builds on the huge success of its predecessors the PRO4 and before that the PRO3 and AES2B which became the global standard in the mining industry over the past 23 years , training over 150,000 mining equipment operators across 45 countries .” Key takeways from the offering are given as follows by Immersive : n Unmatched realism – delivering true to life visual realism through photo-realistic environments and 3D stereoscopic display . The PRO5 visual system provides sensory immersion and depth perception at the highest levels possible . n Unmatched reliability – designed to operate continuously in harsh mining environments the PRO5 utilises proven professional grade components with extremely high mean time between failure . The platform is based on the most durable and proven design in mining simulation that has delivered an asset life of 10 + years with 99.4 % system availability . n Unmatched training value – providing superior training value and continuous improvement capabilities . “ The PRO5 integrates years of learning and development experience and integrates new technologies and comforts for both the learner and the trainer . You can expect the highest levels of learning retention and skills transfer to the job , creating real operational value .” Immersive told IM : “ The combination of technologies in the PRO5 visual system deliver an extreme level of realism and miners are excited about the increased training effectiveness and continuous improvement capability . When it comes to developing operating skills to achieve quantifiable mining improvements with simulation , depth perception and spatial awareness have always been hot
buttons . PRO5 technology addresses these issues with a combination of a seamless curved screen , stereoscopic 3D , head-tracking and photo-realistic graphics .” Feedback from mining engineers has included : “ the simulation is as close to real-life as it gets ” and “ the depth perception is amazingly accurate when compared to a flat screen simulator .” Production trainer responses were also very positive : “ this level of realism will drive trainee engagement ”; “ so realistic it immediately grabs your focus and puts you in the operating zone ” plus “ the look and feel is very natural , it feels like the real thing .”
“ Our close collaboration with mining companies paired with our vast mining technology experience is a catalyst for innovation that solves real mining business challenges . The PRO5 is another big step towards our mission to make resource companies measurably safer and more profitable ,” said David Anderson , CEO Immersive Technologies .
Immersive Technologies ’ Advanced Equipment Simulators it says “ are the mining industry ’ s benchmark solution for operator training and workforce development . These platforms have an unparalleled track record in the delivery of quantified safety , productivity and unscheduled maintenance improvements , including verified real results by BHP Billiton , Rio Tinto , Vale , Glencore , Barrick , Newmont , Freeport-McMoRan and Anglo American . This track record of innovation and customer success has led to Immersive Technologies being the industry ’ s preferred partner with a dominant market share across simulation of all major mining OEM equipment .” It then quotes a sim market share of 90 % for the world ’ s top 10 mining companies ; 70 % of the world ’ s top 20 mining companies and with 330 + global mining operations supported .
The business case for electrification is well known and technology development will continue to accelerate . Immersive told IM : “ As new electric machines come online the landscape of training needs continues to emerge . When electrification is being introduced to an existing mine , it is increasingly important to ensure the workforce is prepared , enabling the benefits of electrification from day one . For example , operators may now have to take part in tasks that are different , such as performing a battery swap or entering a trolley assist line . The dynamics of electric and hybrid equipment are different than diesel , allowing for faster travel speeds and increased power which creates an operator training need to optimise how machines are controlled in a safe and productive manner . We also support training for equipment that utilises enabling technology which support electrification at varying levels , such as trolley assist for diesel trucks and open pit mining equipment that utilises electric drive systems .
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 | International Mining 61