HIGH PROFILE
More robots for better mining
Universal Field Robots Managing Director , Jeff Sterling , outlines how the greater use of robotic technology can at the time make operations safer and more efficient
With a mantra of more robots for safer mining , Universal Field Robots ( UFR ) sees a future involving swarms of small robots inhabiting the space between bigger mining equipment and activities . The pandemic is still impacting mining , with skills shortages and many critical tasks delaying production . UFR is working towards having the largest robot fleet on the planet and has enrolled robots to manufacture these robots . Robot manufacturing provides high quality and speed , with lower cost a valuable byproduct .
In collaboration with IMDEX Limited , UFR is building BLAST DOG™ robots in increasing numbers , with a presence on multiple mine sites across the globe . BLAST DOG™ is an autonomous system to optimise blasting based on highresolution three-dimensional material models built from the sensor data the robots collect from blastholes . UFR is advancing the BLAST DOG™ automation application and each new release brings improvements in operating performance and new capabilities .
Supporting swarms of robotic machines around the world is a new challenge , which is supported by technology . Working robots record what they see and feel and UFR has built infrastructure to capture these moments . Robot memories can be teleported to the cloud allowing robotics engineers to replay an event to find the cause of a performance decline or operations glitch . This
allows us to reimagine the future , adjust some computer code or settings and squeeze even higher levels of performance from our robot team . Shaving a few seconds off an action mightn ’ t sound like much but repeated 200 times a day 24 / 7 it quickly results in higher levels of performance and profitability . The repeatability of robotics can ’ t be beaten for tasks like working on thousands of blastholes that appear almost identical from the surface .
While robots are delivering efficiency , they are also paving the way for safer operations via zero entry mining . One example is voids in hazardous mining areas that can have tragic consequences . Natural and historical mining voids can cause a collapse of ground with no warning . Robots can drive over ground of unknown competency , map voids , reduce delays and improve productivity , while eliminating operator risk . UFR ’ s development roadmap features safe robotic solutions commencing with all blasting activities .
In collaboration with multiple mining clients and METS Ignited , UFR is developing a new robotic application for zero entry work on underground production blastholes . The robots first capabilities are cleaning and surveying – some of the remaining dirty , dangerous , and diabolical underground mining tasks . This requires work at heights in a basket to push a hose ~ 30 m up a blast hole , resulting in rock and water showers along with damaging highpressure air noise . The new robot drives to a ring and uses perception to find / align the specially designed attachment that pushes a hose into the blastholes . Training has been completed at our test mine in Brisbane and trials have commenced on minesites in Queensland and Western Australia . The development team has found some blastholes can require 3-4 cleaning cycles , but as it ’ s an automated process , the robot doesn ’ t work up a sweat . Operators are happier being far from the showering gravel and noise and can make coffee while checking on the robots via the remote-control station . Our collaboration partners recognise the importance of eliminating hazardous activity with significant health and safety improvements .
To simplify setting up remote control at a safe distance , UFR has also released a containerised remote-control station that can be quickly deployed with mesh radio . The containerised RCS is insulated and air conditioned with a desk incorporating two operating locations for a variety of scenarios with ample room for a coffee machine .
New user interface enhancements continue , some via operating partner suggestions . New work applications are demonstrating LIDAR perception value with its detailed and accurate capture of surroundings . Complex tasks are assisted with camera views , LiDAR images and cartoon reimaginations from gamified angles . One South African mining partner has requested the user interface show drone captured changes in the mine environment to enhance operators ’ situational awareness .
Robot capabilities built for one application can also quickly be adapted to benefit others . This platform approach also works across sectors with cross pollination of ideas accelerating capability roll out . Enhanced movement control and better AI vision developed for a defence project can be shared to boost performance of other applications .
It ’ s early days and what we can do now is almost certainly a fraction of what is possible . Robotics that allows people to avoid hazards is available and is the only way for operators to truly be safe . What are we waiting for ? IM
SEPTEMBER 2022 | International Mining 75