Sandvik introduces AutoMine® Flexible Safety Zone
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is introducing AutoMine® Flexible Safety Zone, a new feature for its AutoMine® underground system for autonomous mining operations. The new capability is designed to improve productivity and increase flexibility by enabling alternating safety zone states between autonomous and manual operation.
With the AutoMine® Flexible Safety Zone, autonomous mining equipment can operate continuously in the automated area while allowing for intersections with manual equipment. 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.
“Our new technology will increase the flexibility between manual and automated equipment by allowing manual operators to request access to a shared area,” said Jouni Koppanen, Product Line Manager Automation, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. “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.
“This new feature will enhance our customers’ AutoMine® operations,” said Elen Toodu, Director Global Product Line and Projects Automation, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. “We are giving operators the tools they need to adapt to changing conditions, which will ultimately improve productivity and safety in their mines.”
Tampere, Finland, April 26, 2023
For more information, please contact:
Jouni Koppanen
Product Line Manager, Digital Mining Technologies
Business Unit Automation
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
Email: jouni.koppanen@sandvik.com
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Sandvik Group
Sandvik is a global, high-tech engineering group providing solutions that enhance productivity, profitability and sustainability for the manufacturing, mining and infrastructure industries. We are at the forefront of digitalization and focus on optimizing our customers’ processes. Our world-leading offering includes equipment, tools, services and digital solutions for machining, mining, rock excavation and rock processing. In 2022 the Group had approximately 40,000 employees and revenues of about 112 billion SEK in about 150 countries within continuing operations.
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is a business area within the Sandvik Group and a global leading supplier of equipment and tools, parts, service, digital solutions and sustainability-driving technologies for the mining and construction industries. Application areas include rock drilling, rock cutting, loading and hauling, tunneling and quarrying. In 2022, sales were approximately 57 billion SEK with about 16,200 employees.