AUTONOMY SENSORS mounted on equipment to bound safety zones , among other applications . Using software to analyse the high-resolution point cloud data , mining engineers and geologists can safely and efficiently characterize geological structures , discontinuities , hangups and over break in large , unsupported openings .
Q Is there now greater " sensor fusion " with autonomous mining control systems being able to react more quickly and independently to situations especially using AI ? A A mining site is an extremely busy , fast-paced and interconnected environment . With specific building instructions and deadlines to meet , having a clear overview of the project is paramount . Since it is virtually impossible to keep track of the hundreds of thousands of variable elements on a mining site , progress tracking was typically accomplished with very sparse spot checks . These processes can lead to costly errors due to misses or delays in detection , which subsequently results in expensive rework .
Integrating LiDAR into autonomous solutions , such as mobile robots , allows them to navigate around mining sites and capture valuable 3D data about the current state of projects . LiDAR is designed to perform in the high-stress environmental conditions found at worksites like wind , rain , snow and ambient lighting issues . AI and sensor fusion solutions using our products have advanced by leaps and bounds since 2012 , and our LiDAR solutions are able to be integrated with technologies like camera and radar where redundancy is needed to make mining efforts
smarter , safer and more efficient .
Q What lessons have been learned from other industries in the application of LiDAR in mining such as automotive , etc ? A Velodyne has grown significantly since its invention of 3D LiDAR in 2005 and commencing our work with Caterpillar , vastly expanding our product portfolio . We believe that LiDAR should be the foundation of an autonomous system , as it is a ground-truthing sensing modality which provides precise measurements for free space and object detection . We have a team of top industry talent to design and produce our sensors , with global mass manufacturing capabilities . Velodyne is delivering LiDAR solutions for a variety of applications in a wide range of industries , based on customer feedback and over a decade of experience . We are seeing the consistent implementation of new automation and safety applications based on our pioneering technology , including in mapping , trucking , automotive , mining , smart city , security , industrial , drones and more .
Velodyne continues to develop sensors that are more rugged , higher performing , and cost effective for our customers . Our recent line-up of solid state , embeddable products – our Velarrays and the Velabit – are based on Velodyne ’ s proprietary miniaturised architecture to enable costeffective , high-quality mass production . Due to our expansion into other markets , we have deep expertise in areas such as GPS-denied environments , aerial surveying , and safety and security segments . This has helped us design innovative products and architecture that will address customer needs now and in the future .
Navtech Radar says new generations of radar are rich data sources providing far more quality detail about the world around them performance in adverse weather conditions is what makes it the ideal sensor for outdoor robotics such as autonomous mining fleets . Dust is a huge problem within both surface and underground mining , so it is essential that autonomous systems are designed to be robust and able to provide unrivalled availability such to avoid any downtime generated when waiting for dust to settle or cleaning camera and laser lens . Camera and lasers whilst excellent at certain tasks are not suited to perform in these challenging conditions ."
Wood argues that autonomous systems that are not robust to these conditions will lead to increased costly downtime and will fail to deliver the full potential benefits of automation . “ Radar can be trusted to perform in all environmental conditions and when covered in dust and dirt , ensuring fewer disruptions , increased efficiency and total safety confidence . Radars on mining vehicles need to be able to withstand extreme vibrations , shock events and rough handling . Over the last 15 years of field testing , the early models of radars ill-equipped for these challenges have been industrialised to the
SEPTEMBER 2021 | International Mining