FLEET AUTOMATION equipment , according to the company . This capability makes it possible for manual equipment to cross automated equipment routes and share dump or load points . In addition , AutoMine access barriers are equipped with state-of-the-art technology that informs operators of the shared area status with visual and audible state indications , Sandvik explains .
Koppanen said : “ Our new technology will increase the flexibility between manual and automated equipment by allowing manual operators to request access to a shared area . This request is designed to prevent automated equipment from entering the shared area while manual equipment occupies it . In addition , this flexibility will further enhance customer productivity and allow for continuous operation of both automated and manual equipment .”
Manual operators can request access to a shared area using a variety of actuators at the access barriers . Once acknowledged by the Supervisory AutoMine System and autonomous vehicles have cleared the area , access is granted and manual vehicles can enter safely . This procedure ensures the safety of all operators and equipment while allowing for more flexible setups , Sandvik says .
Elen Toodu , Director Global Product Line and Projects Automation , Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions , said : “ This new feature will enhance our customers ’ AutoMine operations . We are giving operators the tools they need to adapt to changing conditions , which will ultimately improve productivity and safety in their mines .”
Epiroc ’ s Deep Automation step
For its part Epiroc has taken a major step with the launch of Deep Automation , which it describes as “ the next step in automation solutions for underground material handling .” Deep Automation is Epiroc ’ s cutting-edge set of automation systems and applications , used to orchestrate loaders and trucks in underground mining operations . Developed with interoperability in mind , it says customers can take control of safety zones , production assignments and autonomous traffic in real time – boosting safety , consistency , and productivity . Epiroc has a long history of developing and implementing automation solutions in mines all over the world . Deep Automation is the next step to create an even stronger automation offering with emphasis on interoperability , giving customers full control of a production area from the safety of a control room .
“ We are very excited to offer the most interoperable automation solution on the market . This is made possible by a cross-platform interface between Deep Automation , mine planning tools , underground machines , and auxiliary equipment ” says Gabriel Norefors , Director of Customer Solutions Material Handling at Epiroc ’ s Underground division . Deep Automation includes : n Deep Insights creates transparency through data in underground operations , enabling continuous improvements of an automated fleet . n Deep Fleet Simulations for simulating a production area before developing the mine or implementing automation solutions . n Deep Safety which provides flexible zones and access control to a production area , allowing for new vehicles to be checked in safely without interruptions . n Deep Routes for recording , tuning and teaching routes to the smart machines . n Deep Control for controlling safety , production assignments and autonomous traffic in real-time . “ With Deep Automation , we want to convey the qualities of our advanced yet easy-to-use automation solutions for material handling – with natural associations to operations deep underground , deep tech and our strong focus on deep partnerships ,” says Sarah Hoffman , VP Sales & Marketing at Epiroc ’ s Underground division .
All trucks and loaders within Epiroc ’ s Smart and Green series – namely Scooptrams ST14 SG , ST18 SG , ST14 , ST7 and ST18 S plus Minetruck MT42 are prepared for automation and remote control thanks to RCS - Rig Control System .
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