Remote Control Systems
The first package of commercialized products from our Advanced Vehicle Technology group, under the MacLean IQ Series product line banner, consists of three levels of remote-control technology.
From basic line-of-sight to surface operation packages, MacLean can deliver and support the appropriate remote-control solution for your unique underground mining environment. These remote-control systems are an excellent addition to the MacLean Ore Flow product line, to safely bring down draw point hang-ups and make block caving operations, in particular, safer and more productive.
Features:
- Line of sight remote operations of MacLean mining vehicles, via radio signal in the underground environment
- Proportional controls allowing precise operation
- 900MHz radio communication
- 100m+ operation in visual line of sight, a uniquely paired transmitter and receiver ensures the machine responds to only one transmitter
- Status lights on the machine provide feedback to the operator
Benefits:
- Enhanced operator safety, especially in hazardous operating situations that would otherwise require working near large unstable fragmentation
- Improved operator ergonomics and reduced fatigue
- Increased productivity and reduced operating costs
Options:
- Wireless video system – 2.4 GHz line of sight transmission
Features:
- Allows underground operation of the machine beyond visual line of sight
- All data traffic passed over a single 2.4GHz Wi-Fi link
- In standard configuration, the system is self-contained with no requirement for network infrastructure in the mine
- HD camera system configured for each machine
- Machine feedback package to monitor carrier and task signals from the control station
- Hardwired link from operator unit to communication hub and wireless link from communication hub to the machine
Benefits:
- Enhanced operator safety, especially in hazardous operating situations that demand ‘No Boots on Ground’
- Improved safety with further distancing from the exposure to heat, dust, noise, and other risks such as mud-rush
- Improved operator ergonomics and reduced fatigue
- Increased productivity and reduced operating costs
Options:
- Light barrier – controls access to the work area, safely stops the machine if personnel enter the work area
- Integration with mine network – if a network is in place at the mine, the tele-remote system can use this as a data link to operate over greater distances
- Battery-operated communication hub – removes the requirement for a hardwired link from operator unit to communication hub but requires a visual line of sight instead
- Options available for machine feedback packages tailored to machine types and customer workflows
Features:
- Joystick Control Package with workstation and chair
- Two (2) or more widescreen displays (specification dependent on application)
- Comprehensive machine feedback package to give an in-cab experience
- Localization and Autonomous packages available as options
Benefits:
- Office like work environment to completely remove operators from underground mining environment in critical ground conditions
- Increased productivity as operator availability increases due to reduced commute times
- Increased machine utilization leading to a reduction in total capital equipment requirement
- Improved productivity and operator ergonomics
- Allows for further automation and use of multiple units from single operator stations
Options:
- Machine localization within mine map
- Integration with mine safety system/automation safety system
- Integration with automation traffic management/ dispatch system
- Integration with existing mine network
- Driver assistance features – obstacle detection, collision avoidance, speed limiting