SURFACE LOADING
leading role in mining ’ s technology transformation . Motion Metrics not only provides access to innovative and highly relevant technology that will accelerate growth in our ESCO division , but it also brings world-class expertise in AI , rugged 3D Machine Vision technology and data science that is applicable across the group . This acquisition is fully aligned with our strategy and our commitment to grow ahead of our markets , expand our margins and significantly reduce our customers ’ environmental footprint .”
Motion Metrics produces smart , rugged cameras that monitor and provide valuable and timely data on equipment performance , faults , payloads and rock fragmentation . This data is then analysed using embedded and cloud-based machine learning to provide real-time feedback to the mining operation . This enables immediate identification of potential issues that could impact safety and cause expensive unplanned downtime . This includes boulder and foreign body detection to dislodged ground engaging tools that can critically damage crushing equipment if undetected . It also provides information that can be used to optimise asset efficiency , supporting better decision making as miners seek to increase productivity while reducing energy consumption , particularly in areas such as comminution ( crushing , screening and grinding ), one of the most energy-intensive processes in mining .
The flagship technology , ShovelMetrics , uses artificial intelligence and computer vision to provide missing tooth detection , tooth wear monitoring , payload monitoring , particle size analysis , and blind spot reduction . To detect missing teeth , the ShovelMetrics camera needs a clear view of the shovel or excavator bucket . This can be difficult at mines in northern regions which receive very little sunlight during the winter , or at sites where sticky material can obscure the teeth . To overcome these challenges , the company developed a thermal version of ShovelMetrics that provides accurate missing tooth detection under the harshest environmental conditions – even in total darkness .
While these technologies were initially developed for GET applications , they have recently been extended into a suite of products and solutions that can be applied from drill and blast through to primary processing . Motion
Metrics technology is currently used on more than 80 mine sites and its customers include some of the world ’ s largest mining companies . Its revenues are generated from the initial sale of equipment and subsequent recurring aftermarket revenues including subscriptions to its cloud computing platform , services and spare parts ; a model that is highly complementary to Weir ’ s aftermarket-based business model .
Moving forward , ESCO ’ s focus is on accelerating growth through geographic expansion and the continued extension of its market leading front-of-shovel offering , creating new solutions to support customers ’ safety , efficiency and sustainability goals . Motion Metrics is fully aligned to this strategy , including the early realisation of the digitally instrumented smart bucket concept which provides information on bucket and GET health alongside payload and ore fragmentation analysis . Combining ESCO ’ s deep knowledge of mining operations with the data-led insights from Motion Metrics ’ AI capabilities will enable the business to create new solutions that integrate and extend the technological differentiation of its best-in-class offerings across the mine . IM
International Mining | MARCH 2022