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

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