SIMULATORS & TRAINING with air conditioning and heating capacity for the most extreme environments , zero trip ultra-low profile motion platform , and positive pressure airflow system to prevent dust entering from the mining environment .
David Anderson , Immersive Technologies CEO comments : “ Our close collaboration with mining companies paired with our extensive mining technology experience is a catalyst for innovation to solve real mining challenges . At MINExpo 2021 we launched the PRO5 for surface mining and the uptake has been massive due to the training value of stereoscopic 3D and true to life graphics . We knew that underground miners needed a similar capability , so we launched the IM360 + at MINE POWER . This is another big step towards our mission to make resource companies measurably safer and more profitable .”
Immersive says feedback from the IM360 + launch was overwhelmingly positive , with one training manager commenting : “ This is a major update to the graphics and immersion factor that trainees will experience . The depth perception created with the 3D stereoscopic projectors should prove especially valuable to underground operators .” Similarly , one operations manager could immediately see where the solution would make a valuable difference in their operator training saying “ This is so realistic , it will sure cut down training time . It is the kind of technology people expect to be trained with .”
Driven by mining industry demand and customer orders , Immersive Technologies ’ development pipeline includes several simulator Conversion Kits ® and digital learning products , designed to enhance learning retention and rapidly optimise behaviours for both new and experienced operators . As well as Conversion Kits for surface machines , such as the Liebherr R9400 E Electric Excavator and Cat 798 AC Truck , training technologies are being developed for the following machines : Sandvik DD422i Jumbo Drill , Sandvik DS422i Cable Bolter , Sandvik ( Artisan ) A4 LHD , Sandvik LH411iB / LH514E / LH518B LHDs , Sandvik Miner Borer MF460 , Epiroc Simba M4 C Production Drill , DynaBolter V2 Roof Bolter , DynaBolter V3 Roof Bolter , Komatsu 12HM27 Continuous Miner , Komatsu 12HM46 Continuous Miner , Komatsu BH20 Battery Hauler , and Caterpillar R1700K LHD .
Normet on the BEV training challenge
There ’ s a growing demand for expertise and knowledge in the service and mechanical aspects of the mining industry , especially for those with a deep understanding of advanced equipment and technologies . With battery-electric technology being relatively new to mining , the need for specialised skills presents an exciting opportunity to shape the future of the industry . Harri Sonninen , Normet Global Product Manager ,
New Technologies & Training Solutions , told IM : “ When we at Normet are delivering our SmartDrive battery vehicles , there is little to no field-expertise in these systems in mining operations as the technology has landed into key markets over the last decade . It is a bit like someone getting their first electric car – there is some hesitation and uncertainty at first , even at Tier 1 miners . They have a lot of questions about the BEV technology – is it really as sustainable as we say , is it going to be as productive long term , how long will the investment take to pay back or what are the benefits of it ? We realised we needed to be an active partner to the customers , long before the machines actuallly arrive or even before any purchase decision is made . This is so we can educate them in detail on our technology and what the advantages are plus of course how it works technically and how it is maintained .”
At a high level , innovative companies like Normet have global ESG goals and Normet says it helps them understand how the cuts in emissions will benefit not just the underground mine but also the local communities as well as the bigger picture . How does it go about training for BEVs today ? Normet has an organisation called Normet Academy – which is already used for its scaling and sprayed concrete training , including use of its VR simulators . And the same Normet Academy subject matter experts are also helping customers get the best understanding possible of the BEV machines and BEV architecture .
Sonninen comments : “ We are the manufacturer , and all of the SmartDrive development and technology implementation has been done inhouse . We largely built it ourselves and collaborating with sustainable development companies and universities . So we have the deepest understanding of the engineering and technology behind it including the battery modules and drivelines . We have three main stakeholder groups at our training sessions – first the management level people discovering BEVs who get a better understanding of the technology including from a safety point of view – including things like how and where you should store batteries . We also discuss with them how to manage their power grid and power consumption with the introduction of BEVs . Then of course we have the operators and the maintenance teams . With the maintenance teams we start to break down in detail the whole structure of the equipment so they understand it to a high level to enable the required daily up to annual servicing . Of course we provide the BEV energy charging and supply solutions to go with the machines as well – these require maintenance as well , and we offer the training for that . For all these maintenance programs we provide diplomas and certifications .”
Operators get initial training in the technology
Normet Academy trainer conducting BEV safety and knowledge training
and equipment as well as safety before the machine even arrives on-site . When it arrives , the technicians are already well aware of their role and how to liase with the operators . They then go through the commissioning phase together and achieve the same level of understanding with all stakeholders . Once that is done , Normet gives extensive operator training , focusing on how to achieve the highest machine efficiency . There are huge potential BEV benefits , but people need to be taught into these benefits – things like using recuperation effectively instead of braking continuously , which for example can saves maintenance costs by more than half .
What has the customer feedback been like so far with Normet ’ s BEV training ? “ Definitely it has meant they are much more confident in continuing their BEV journey beyond just the first machine . Most of them choose to have our Normet Academy training on an annual basis so they can stay up to date on BEV technology and also allow them to train any new people .” On plans to incorporate BEVs into its VR sims , he adds : “ Definitely that is the future vision for us . We have been focussing on developing our full SmartDrive equipment portfolio . Now we are planning BEV simulators to be able to provide a fully immersive training program . And we have our ElectroDynamic technology - and we are also looking at how we best provide specific training for those machines as well , including sims . It ' s all in our roadmap today .”
Of course Normet first has to understand the real mine operational data from the early SmartDrive units , how people are operating it and where we can be most beneficial with sims as an education tool : “ It provides real pedagogic benefits , it does not just exist as a ' game .' Our machines working are equipped with remote monitoring and analytics technology to allow us to do this . Plus every single mine is different with different ways of working . And the technology is developing fast . If we create a simulation solution today , parts of it could be outdated the next year – so we make sure it can adapt in terms of software , training scenarios and technology calibration – to new developments . At Normet we make a lot of use of digital twin technology , which will help us as we move forward to bettter understand the future operative landscape .”
IM
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2024 | International Mining 47