ACARP ACARP ACARP ACARP
Open Cut

Swing Loader Traffic Control

Open Cut » Overburden Removal

Published: January 06Project Number: C13041

Get ReportAuthor: Elliot Duff, Kane Usher, Peter Ridley | CSIRO ICT Centre, QUT

This project has successfully demonstrated (on a 1/7th scale model swing loader and haul truck) the technology to direct drivers to a recommended loading position. It does this in two phases. In the first phase, a scanning range laser on the swing loader is used to generate a digital terrain map of the surrounding area. This is used to define the navigable space around the loader and the loading position closest to the bench (spotting). In the second phase, another scanning range laser is used to continually estimate the pose of the truck with respect to the swing loader. A path is then generated between the current pose and the desired loading position. The steering and speed response required to follow this path is displayed to the driver. If the driver chooses (or is unable) to follow the desired path, the system adapts and recalculates a new path.

The trials conducted at QCAT indicate that whilst the guidance technology is able to assist a driver to more accurately position the truck to the recommended loading position, it takes about twice as long to stabilize.

The difference in time is related to two factors. Firstly, the driver of the scale model truck has 360 degree visibility that enables them to make excellent judgments for steering strategies. Secondly, the stability of the path planning software was affected by errors in the measured orientation of the truck. It is apparent that with a reduction in visibility normally experienced by truck drivers in the mining environment, and improvements in localization that are predicted on full-size trucks, the path planning software has the potential to exceed the performance of the unassisted human operator.

In the original proposal for this project, there were plans to test the laser’s performance at a mine site and to monitor the typical movement of haul trucks and swing loaders. Unfortunately, we were unable to access a mine site, so we have been unable to estimate the precision and suitability of the laser tracking technology on a full scale truck, nor were we able to document the current practice for optimal spotting.  This is an area for future work.

Underground

Health and safety, productivity and environment initiatives.

Recently Completed Projects

C34019Longwall Bretby Cable Handling Monitoring With Fibre Optics

This project examined the potential of using fibre optic sensing tec...

C27049Mine Machine Radar Sensor Integration

The aim of this project was to develop an integrated radar sensor an...

C29007Innovative Coal Burst System To Investigate The Influence Of Confinement Loss And Pre-Conditioning On Coal Burst Mechanism

The challenges associated with designing and operating a safe and pr...

Underground

Open Cut

Safety, productivity and the right to operate are priorities for open cut mine research.

Recently Completed Projects

C33035High Water Recovery, Low Cost Desalination Using PV-Powered Membrane Capacitive Deionisation (Mcdi)

Capacitive deionization is a robust, energy efficient and cost effec...

C28035Topsoil Deficits In Site Rehabilitation Accelerated Transformation Of Spoils To Functional Soils

The incorporation of commercial biological amendments (compost, worm...

C34036Tyre Handler Testing Rig Stage 2: Lifting Trials

Tyre handling is a major source of risk in surface mining operations...

Open Cut

Coal Preparation

Maximising throughput and yield while minimising costs and emissions.

Coal Preparation

Technical Market Support

Market acceptance and emphasising the advantages of Australian coals.

Recently Completed Projects

C34060In-Situ Investigation Of Coke Structure Formation Under Stamp Charged Coking Conditions

Stamp charged cokemaking has emerged as an effective technique to im...

C34062Improving The Classification Of Microstructure Distribution In Coke CT Images Using Deep Learning And Lineal Path Calculations

This project builds on a number of earlier projects that have helped...

C29071Source Of Variability Of Reactivity Of Coke In The CSR Test

The Coke Strength after Reaction (CSR) test is used worldwide to det...

Technical Market Support

Mine Site Greenhouse Gas Mitigation

Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from the production of coal.

Recently Completed Projects

C28076Selective Absorption Of Methane By Ionic Liquids (SAMIL)

This third and final stage of this project was the culmination of a ...

C29069Low-Cost Catalyst Materials For Effective VAM Catalytic Oxidation

Application of ventilation air methane (VAM) thermal oxidiser requir...

C23052Novel Stone Dust Looping Process For Ventilation Air Methane Abatement

This multi‐phase project is concerned with the mitigation of m...

Mine Site Greenhouse Gas Mitigation

Low Emission Coal Use

Step-change technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Recently Completed Projects

C17060BGasification Of Australian Coals

Four Australian coals were trialled in the Siemens 5 MWth pilot scale ga...

C17060AOxyfuel Technology For Carbon Capture And Storage Critical Clean Coal Technology - Interim Support

The status of oxy-fuel technology for first-generation plant is indicate...

C18007Review Of Underground Coal Gasification

This report consists of a broad review of underground coal gasification,...

Low Emission Coal Use

Mining And The Community

The relationship between mines and the local community.

Recently Completed Projects

C16027Assessing Housing And Labour Market Impacts Of Mining Developments In Bowen Basin Communities

The focus of this ACARP-funded project has been to identify a number...

C22029Understanding And Managing Cumulative Impacts Of Coal Mining And Other Land Uses In Regions With Diversified Economies

The coal industry operates in the context of competing land-uses that sh...

C23016Approval And Planning Assessment Of Black Coal Mines In NSW And Qld: A Review Of Economic Assessment Techniques

This reports on issues surrounding economic assessment and analysis ...

Mining And The Community

NERDDC

National Energy Research,Development & Demonstration Council (NERDDC) reports - pre 1992.

Recently Completed Projects

1609-C1609Self Heating of Spoil Piles from Open Cut Coal Mines

Self Heating of Spoil Piles from Open Cut Coal Mines

1301-C1301Stress Control Methods for Optimised Development...

Stress Control Methods for Optimised Development and Extraction Operations

0033-C1356Commissioned Report: Australian Thermal Coals...

Commissioned Report: Australian Thermal Coals - An Industry Handbook

NERDDC