Mine Automation Systems is an evolving package of technologies made possible by the rapid advances in mechatronics and the need for improved safety, energy efficiency, and environmental concerns. It brings together 12 inter-related packages with complementary goals to meet a worldwide market. Development is undertaken with teams of technical experienced specialists that are gathered to resolve the issues.
Technology development, software flexibility and robust reliable control outcomes have made the concept of smart mining possible. A smart data gathering bolt of 20 years ago with a one-off cost of $10,000 can now be duplicated with a smart recycled sensor system attached to a standard bolt for less than $20 per testing cycle, says the company. The result is a data point, easily duplicated for redundancy, that can display changing loads with time, wear rate estimates and failure predictions.