THE LEADER VOLUME 19 • NUMBER 1
A common automation platform
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In a major development for drill autonomy , Epiroc has launched the revolutionary Common Automation Panel ( CAP ) for the SmartROC D65 surface drill rig along with its autonomous Pit Viper range . CAP enables a transformation in remote control centres , with improved ergonomics and a platform approach to run mixed fleet operations from a single station .
Epiroc says the Common Automation Panel is designed for an innovative evolution of the control room . “ CAP has been created for the modern mine remote operation centre . This innovative product will help our customers to streamline the value chain of their surface drilling operations – and create a safer and more productive environment ,” says Christopher Blignaut , Automation Manager at Epiroc Surface division .
CAP creates opportunities for complete transformation , including improving the layout in the control room , the way operators are trained and work , and reduced variability and spare parts costs . " The CAP station will bring value to the daily mining operations that focus on technology and automation – through direct opportunities to increase utilisation of the fleet and reducing operating costs . Operation through CAP can also prolong the effective life of the equipment by ensuring that equipment operates within optimal design parameters . This results in lowering maintenance costs overall ," says Blignaut .
The Common Automation Panel has a new design approach , which was developed in collaboration with close partners . It includes a 12 ” touchscreen display and joystick configuration for different machine types , which is an important benefit when it comes to mixed fleet operations with Pit Viper and SmartROC DTH as well as training for new operators . For operators , this means easier adaptation between machines and more flexibility to run the fleet . The product was also designed with improved ergonomics in mind , to allow the panel to be situated comfortably in multiple positions .
The Common Automation Panel also offers a new safety system to further reduce the office footprint and increase the total number of machines that can connect into a control room in a single system . This is important for situational awareness during remote operations and will reduce maintenance and operating costs for larger fleets .
CAP will enable more consistent and predictable operations and a lower overall cost of ownership . In the long run , this will have a positive effect on decarbonisation as well as enhancing the health and wellbeing of the operators .
“ We see increased environmental , social , and governance ( ESG ) demands , tighter demands on health and safety , and the need to integrate groundbreaking digitalised solutions that boost productivity in the mining environment . CAP answers these demands directly ”, says Blignaut .
To talk about the step change that CAP brings and to get more in-depth on the technology , IM also caught up with Mayya Popova , Product Owner Automation , Surface division at Epiroc and asked if CAP has been in the planning for some time in tune with major mines now opting to have automated crawler boom drills as well as large Pit Vipers .
She stated : “ Yes , it has been part of the automation development strategy and roadmap for the Surface division for a while . We look at it from the point of view of how we can make operations more streamlined for our customers . They want to minimise footprint in their control centres as well as reduce the differences between drill solution offerings from an operational point of view – and of course simplify control for drill operators and supervisors and helping to make their decisions quicker and easier .”
She added : “ Customers also appreciate more commonality in terms of how the systems are designed and how they function both in the pit itself and where the pit is controlled and monitored from . CAP in many ways just part of the overall operations puzzle where the aim is for ever greater efficiency and transparency .”
On the actual CAP design she commented : “ First we wanted to develop an operator station that could cover multiple machine types and even within the machine type , multiple models . Obviously it meant unifying the controls in some way so that it is possible to move from one machine type to another using the same panel .”
Popova says this means that the CAP has only two joysticks plus an e-stop and fire suppression button , which Epiroc has committed to have as physical buttons as they are crucial in terms of unplanned situations , for example . All other functions , buttons or levers have been brought into the touchscreen and remapped with the joysticks depending on which operational mode the CAP is in .
Paul Moore Editorial Director paul @ im-mining . com
JANUARY 2024 | International Mining 3