Sandvik revolutionizes underground mining automation with release of AutoMine® Access API specification
Sandvik continues to be a leader in mining automation with the introduction of the mining industry’s first interoperability platform for autonomous underground loaders and trucks: The AutoMine® Access API. Delivering on the promise made earlier this year at Goldcorp’s #DisruptMining event, the AutoMine® Access API specification is now available and is the next step in Sandvik’s continued journey to set the industry standard for mine automation and digitalization.
The AutoMine® Access API gives mines the power to connect non-Sandvik equipment to AutoMine® - moving underground mining digitalization even further.
“As a world leader in underground automation, we have a responsibility to make this game-changing technology easier to implement for the mining industry,” said Patrick Murphy, President Rock Drills & Technologies, Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology. “While we think customers will achieve the highest performance with Sandvik equipment, we recognize the need to unlock automation’s full potential for all equipment regardless of manufacturer. Customers with mixed fleets will now have the full power of AutoMine® behind them.”
How it Works
The AutoMine® Access API is a standard set of pre-defined interfaces for connecting third-party loaders and trucks to AutoMine®. This means a mixed fleet of underground loaders and trucks can now be managed and controlled with one seamless system.
An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of functions and procedures that allows the creation of applications that access the features or data of an operating system, application, or other service.
The third-party equipment is also required to meet the AutoMine® safety standards.
Driving a Digital Ecosystem
The AutoMine® Access API is another step in Sandvik’s journey to drive a digital ecosystem that makes mining smarter, safer and more productive.
In 2018, Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology released its Interoperability Policy outlining the how Sandvik systems can communicate within a digital ecosystem including data accessibility, fleet data compatibility, data rights and control, and data privacy.
The momentum continued in 2019 with the acquisition of Newtrax, a leader in wireless IoT connectivity for underground hard rock mining, and the announcement that My Sandvik, Sandvik’s telemetry solution for machine health and productivity data, would also be available for non-Sandvik equipment.
“Sandvik has been leading the market in underground digitalization for years, with thousands of pieces of equipment around the world connected to our digital technology,” said Murphy. “As more customers embark on their digital journeys, interoperability will be a requirement. We are proud to leverage our experience to drive digitalization further in the mining industry.”
Tampere, Finland, December 3, 2019
For more information contact:
Patrick Murphy
President, Rock Drills and Technologies
Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology
tel: +358406765007
e-mail: patrick.murphy@sandvik.com
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Sandvik Group
Sandvik is a high-tech and global engineering group offering products and services that enhance customer productivity, profitability and safety. We hold world-leading positions in selected areas – tools and tooling systems for metal cutting; equipment and tools, service and technical solutions for the mining and construction industries; products in advanced stainless steels and special alloys as well as products for industrial heating. In 2018, the Group had approximately 42,000 employees and sales of 100 billion SEK in more than 150 countries within continuing operations.
Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology
Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology is a business area within the Sandvik Group and a global leading supplier of equipment and tools, service and technical solutions for the mining and construction industries. Application areas include rock drilling, rock cutting, crushing and screening, loading and hauling, tunneling, quarrying and breaking and demolition. In 2018, sales were approximately 43 billion SEK with about 15,000 employees in continuing operations.