Sandvik Adds New Intelligent Solution to its Industry-Leading AutoMine Portfolio

Sandvik is introducing AutoMine™ Tele-Remote for underground loaders, a new smart entry-level addition to its industry-leading AutoMine product family. AutoMine Tele-Remote provides an easy way to start exploring the full potential of Sandvik equipment automation while improving productivity, safety and cost-efficiency in mining operations.

The new AutoMine Tele-Remote provides functionality for smart teleoperation and monitoring of a single loader from the safety of a remote location. It is easy to set up, operate and maintain without a need for advanced technical skills. Designed specifically for quick production area deployment, AutoMine Tele-Remote is particularly suitable for continuously changing mining environments, such as applications with small stopes or mine development.

"AutoMine Tele-Remote makes remote loader operating simple thanks to a number of smart system functionalities assisting the operator," says Jarkko Ruokojärvi, product line manager automation at Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology.

"The advanced features such as automatic steering and predictive wall collision avoidance ensure easy and smooth operation of the loader, reducing strain on the operator."

As the intelligent operator-assisting AutoMine Tele-Remote system automatically steers the loader in environments previously unknown to it, loading can start immediately after site installation without a need for area definitions. In addition, the solution enables additional productive hours each day by allowing continued remote operation of the loader during blast clearance times.

Equipment utilization is also increased as operators can hand over between shifts much faster, without the need to locate and travel to the equipment. The intelligent features of the system assisting the operator also help to avoid wall collision damage that would otherwise lead to expensive downtime for repairs and maintenance. This translates into cost savings and higher productivity. The system’s compact onboard package is integrated into the intelligent control system of Sandvik loaders, allowing full monitoring and control functionality as well as straightforward retrofit installations.

As with the complete AutoMine offering, AutoMine Tele-Remote is designed to improve safety. With open interfaces, AutoMine can also be integrated to other mining IT systems.

AutoMine Tele-Remote is compatible with other AutoMine packages, so it can be easily upgraded to higher level Sandvik load and haul automation. AutoMine Tele-Remote is an ideal solution for mines looking for a simple yet powerful way to gain more efficiency with remote operation, as well as to those who may want to take the next step to even higher performance at a later stage.