June 2, 2021
Groundbreaking safety improvement from Epiroc with Collision Avoidance System Interface
The interface allows for third party systems to communicate with Epiroc's Rig Control System, RCS, in a completely new way. This enables a third party PDS added to the vehicle, when needed, takes interventional control of the machine to prevent accidents.
The Collision Avoidance System (CAS) Interface, when coupled with a PDS, helps to detect objects in the collision risk area, evaluate the collision risk level and take interventional actions to avoid the potential collision. The system works on the understanding that all machines and all persons in the mine are equipped with tags or sensors. A CAS installation is intended to assist with operator perception of potential hazards around the machine and prevention of potential incidents where operators cannot respond in time, however the overall responsibility for safe operation of the machine remains with the operator.
"This improves safety underground in a groundbreaking way."
“The Epiroc RCS Collision Avoidance interface performed as designed, demonstrating high consistency in the cases where the Proximity Detection Systems (PDS) provided reliable input signals,” says Kumeshan Naidu, Integration Manager M&A, at Epiroc’s Technology and Digital division, and continues: “The CAS initiative is not a “Plug and Play” solution and must be tailored, with the participation of all parties to suite a particular site. Change Management and Risk Mitigation Strategies on these sites are key when implementing the system.”
Moving forward, Kumeshan Naidu can see further potential: “Solutions like Mobilaris Onboard can augment a mine’s efforts to ensure safety, as well as create a more “natural” state of awareness that underground TMM operators can respond to. With an interface that is more familiar to the operator, who typically drives commercial vehicles (GPS, Waze, Google Maps), their reflex is to naturally avoid a potential unwanted event from occurring. An operator or pedestrian that is equipped with real time information about their surroundings, through systems like Mobilaris’s MMI, Onboard and Pocket Mine, will be better suited to promote a safe working environment. One in which the CAS slow down and stop functionality is a last resort in preventing collision events.”
For further information please contact:
Daniel Sandström
Global Product Manager- Minetruck and Continuous Loaders - Underground
Phone: +46 (0)70 937 07 97