COLLISION AVOIDANCE
offers seamless integration and user experience enhancements , further solidifying its position as a leader in collision avoidance technology in mining .
Another important development for Epiroc ’ s Titan CAS is a recently released combined collision avoidance and traffic awareness system . Titan CAS + Onboard is the integration of two safety systems that provide both collision prevention and long-range traffic awareness . The integrated system works on all mining machines in underground mining environments .
It offers improved productivity by avoiding unnecessary stops in the flow of traffic in mines . Plus it has one display with two functions so a reduced number of displays in the cabin thanks to integrated systems . These systems together improve traffic flow and prevent collisions for smoother and safer mine traffic . The solutions complement each other , leveraging their respective strengths resulting in a user-friendly solution when integrated to the same interface .
Epiroc states : “ Engineered with a highly adaptable framework , the Titan Collision Avoidance System ( Levels 7 , 8 , and 9 ) seamlessly integrates with diverse OEMs using the ISO21815 standard to enhance safety across your mining fleet . Onboard is totally agnostic and can be fitted to any vehicle driving in the mine . Titan CAS is a peer-to-peer solution that combines multiple fail-to-safe sensing technologies , tailored to excel in dynamic mining environments , providing effective safety measures in all mining environments .”
Onboard uses a disruptive innovation called Hybrid Positioning ( patented ) which is a selfsustained positioning of a vehicle with 5-10 meters accuracy – providing navigation without any dedicated infrastructure for positioning . With network connection you also get long-range warnings giving superior traffic awareness .
What of customer tests and trials for Titan CAS ? In January 2024 , Codelco , the world ’ s largest copper producer , ordered a combination of digital solutions from Epiroc that will – among other things – optimise fleet management and ore production , provide visibility of people and machines underground , collect machine performance data , and help avoid vehicle collisions . The solutions will be used at El Teniente ’ s underground as well as open-pit operations .
A Level 8 CAS is being installed on about 60 vehicles at the small surface open pit at El Teniente known as Rajo Sur . Titan CAS is also part of a current trial at a major gold mining group in Australia which is in conjunction with Onboard . This provides long-range detection functionality , along with CAS , and greatly aids scenario detection . Baker : “ Onboard knows exactly where you are in the mine and what type of intersection or crosscut the vehicle is approaching so specific algorithms can be applied in Titan CAS to respond to this specific type of interaction . As a result , false positives are significantly reduced , which helps build operator trust in the system .”
Booyco on growing PDS improvement and value
Rapidly developing technology is constantly being harnessed by Proximity Detection Systems ( PDS ) to deliver steadily improved functionality to customers , according to Anton Lourens , CEO of Johannesburg-based PDS pioneer Booyco Electronics .
“ The world of electronic technology is an everevolving space , with newer solutions and offerings being made available quicker than ever ,” says Lourens . “ Based on our experience in this space , we see improved PDS solutions being developed ; one such instance is the combination of multiple different sensing technologies into a single fully integrated solution .”
This integrated sensing solution is then optimised through functional performance driven mainly by software for these specific comprehensive PDS requirements , he adds . As
PDS technology evolves and matures , he notes that the demand for processing power , and the ability to process multiple sensors , has increased dramatically since the first basic PDS units were developed .
“ Fortunately , in our fast-evolving electronic world – including the global development of artificial intelligence ( AI ) solutions and big data mining – the PDS industry is able to access the required processing platforms ,” he explains . “ Similarly , sensing technology is also expanding rapidly ; this is introducing more suppliers of specific technology solutions , often making available different and better functions .”
Lourens argues that PDS is definitely playing a vital part in mine automation ; indeed , it is seen by some stakeholders as the foundation for autonomous vehicles , specifically with the enhancements around Level 9 engineering control solutions for trackless mobile machines ( TMMs ). In another important trend , various mining stakeholders and organisations are engaged in workstreams to clearly define specific PDS requirements that are applicable to different operations .
“ For instance , labour intensive operations have different requirements to automated operations ,” he says . “ At the same time , we are also experiencing more engagement from OEMs , who have an integral role in the overall proximity detection ecosystem . This is also driving their own standards and regulatory compliance .”
In general , Booyco Electronics is seeing more collaboration from a variety of stakeholders to ensure improvements on safety standards – actively promoting the drive towards Zero Harm . As a leading player in PDS technology , the company remains committed to continuous improvement and meeting best practices that include integrated real-time data solutions for customers , says Lourens .
“ In addition to the standard PDS functionality , the user gains significant benefits from using the
VisionV2X
Your eyes underground to bring everyone home safely
Keep personnel & equipment safe Advanced long ranging , with metre accuracy Visibility around corners & blindspots Manage risk & meet operational safety KPIs
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JANUARY 2025 | International Mining