The mining sector has been a pioneer in the use of digital, autonomous and remotely controlled systems. Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology is a leading global provider of mining and excavation equipment and services and has been using autonomous robotic equipment, moving independently in mines, for more than 20 years. Technology company VTT says it has strengthened the development of autonomous systems by founding a new subsidiary, VTT SenseWay Oy, focusing on such systems. The new company is also an important partner with Sandvik in the development of autonomous solutions for mining.
“Mining operations can be monitored and enhanced with the help of smart services. The monitoring of services will get easier and faster, when they can be observed in a comprehensive manner in real time using data-based information collection and analytics”, says Jani Vilenius, Director Research and Technology Development at Sandvik.
“The use of digitisation, sensor technology and automation are increasing. Other development goals include increasing the use of alternative energy sources and creation of more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient production methods. There are already plenty of Sandvik machines and equipment working online in many countries and various mines. The industrial internet is in wide use in various areas of application,” Vilenius says.
“With VTT, we are constantly developing new solutions and the next generations of different systems. VTT has amazing research competence. VTT’s new autonomous solutions company VTT SenseWay will further strengthen the productisation of research results into hi-tech products. In collaboration with our research partner, we are creating something others are not capable of. Constant development is extremely important for securing our leading position within the business even in the future,” Vilenius underscores.
In Finland, Sandvik has production facilities in Tampere, Turku and Lahti. The company exports more than 95% of its production. “In order to keep manufacturing industry in Finland, the sector has to renew itself with the market. The increasing efficiency requirements can be responded to by means of using autonomous systems to optimise processes – they are the foundation of future productivity.”
The new company will seek access to the global markets from Turku, where some of the world’s leading expertise in autonomous shipping systems can already be found.” Autonomous systems are also making a strong entry into other transport and logistics sectors and mobile work machines, and VTT will respond to this demand with its solutions.” The markets in the solutions business in this sector are growing rapidly, and VTT estimates their global value to exceed EUR 70 billion by 2023.
“There will be demand for autonomous systems in the future, as we are looking for solutions and innovations for tackling global challenges, such as resource sufficiency and industrial renewal. We want to ensure that the results of cutting-edge research reach the markets, and become a part of the business world and people’s everyday lives more rapidly than before. At the same time, we are helping Finnish industries and society to adopt the changes in modes of operation and business practices enabled by the new technologies,” says Antti Vasara, President & CEO of VTT.
Jere Laaksonen is appointed as CEO of VTT SenseWay as of 1st December. His former position was Vice President of Remote and Autonomous Ship Intelligence unit at Kongsberg Maritime.
“Autonomous systems are revolutionising transport and logistics on land, at sea and in the air, and will make them even more efficient and safe in the future. Autonomous production systems, on the other hand, enhance the competitiveness and productivity of the industrial sector. VTT has been doing research related to autonomous systems at an international level for a long time. The new company will leverage VTT’s extensive technological and scientific expertise in an efficient and multidisciplinary manner. It will also offer a new channel for using VTT’s intellectual property rights.”
“Our research operations must always stay at the forefront of development and introduce new innovations to be applied by companies. The development of autonomous systems is fast-paced – continuous development is essential,” Vasara says.
The use of autonomous systems is progressing in many areas of application. The creation of systems with varying degrees of autonomy requires wide-ranging technologies and versatile expertise. In the early stages, 15 specialists within the sector will be responsible for the service production of VTT SenseWay Oy.