Schauenburg Systems says it has partnered with dotNetix to deliver an artificial intelligence-equipped camera to improve safety at mine sites.

The South Africa-based original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for mine-industry safety and productivity solutions said this will enhance its existing proximity detection system (PDS) range.

The SCAS PDS Artificial Intelligence Camera is an advanced driver assist system (ADAS), which is the first South Africa developed and manufactured camera with artificial intelligence specifically designed for mine safety/traffic management, allowing for event and video logging.

It has been identified in the mining environment that there are certain scenarios where tag-based PDS systems are not practical. For these scenarios, object detection systems are required that use passive PDS sensor technology, according to the company.

“This technology, in layman’s terms, is when a vehicle PDS system can detect and warn a driver of other objects without having any active PDS equipment installed on these objects,” Schauenburg Systems said. “There are many passive sensor technologies that assist tag-based PDS systems or act as standalone PDS systems. Schauenburg’s AI Camera stands for high accuracy, reduced false alarms, distance detection and data/video logging capabilities for effective incident analysis.”

This camera, specifically designed for the harsh mining environment, combines 3D-image processing with AI integrated into camera systems. The system uses advance algorithms to detect objects; depending on the risk profile the cameras are positioned in front, rear or on the sides of the vehicle, the company said.

“The potential of a collision is analysed by the system and the driver is warned with an audible alarm and/or voice command. The 3D cameras were designed to accurately calculate the distance to an object by means of configurable dynamic zones of up to 150 m,” Schauenburg said.

Ettiene Pretorius, Business Manager at Schauenburg, said although the product is designed at this stage specifically to fulfil mining PDS requirements, it is evident there are many other applications where this product can assist in automating operations. “Schauenburg and dotNetix are excited about the official launch of this product, after the product went through stringent test, trial and certification phases which were part of the industrialisation process,” the companies said.

Dieter Kovar, CEO of Schauenburg International-Africa Group, said Schauenburg’s vision is to innovate new products through latest digital technologies and by ingraining a customer-centric culture.

“In line with the latest Mining Charter it strives for developing and manufacturing products primarily in South Africa. It considers itself as a prime partner for supporting the digital drive in mining,” he said.