Tag Archives: equipment simulators

Immersive reflects on 30 years of equipment simulator and training success

Automation, Mining equipment, Mining services, Mining software, , ,

From humble beginnings producing computer-based training for companies like BHP, Caltex, WesTrac and Macmahon, Immersive Technologies is now able to reflect on 30 years of advanced equipment simulator and training solutions.

By the mid 1990s and with only seven staff, the business was on a journey to develop the world’s first Advanced Equipment Simulator (the AES Series – 1, pictured above) for the mining industry.

The first commercial simulator was exhibited at the Diggers and Dealers Conference (Kalgoorlie, Western Australia) in 1998. The business opportunities exploded and the next two sales were overseas to Kaltim Prima Coal, Indonesia, and Geita Gold, in Tanzania, the company said. Soon after another “first” was launched with Immersive’s mining excavator range and then the “first” mining wheel loader simulator was delivered. In 2005, the first Dragline simulator was produced.

By the end of 2006, the business had sold 85 simulators in 17 countries and, by 2008, 155 simulators in 23 countries. By 2010, the underground range was released, and the business had customers in 29 countries. By 2016, Immersive’s exports reached mines in 40 countries.

“Fast forward to today, Immersive Technologies products and services are trusted by hundreds of mine sites across 49 countries and we are still driven by our passion to provide innovative and valuable workforce solutions,” the company said. “Having delivered over 560 simulator platforms and 1,400 Conversion Kits, simulating 22 different mining OEMs, our solutions to industry challenges are much broader than just simulator technology.”

Immersive’s PRO5 – Advanced Equipment Simulator equipped with 3D stereoscopic display and professional grade visual system

Immersive says its service and advisory expertise is extensive with a portfolio of work that delivers quantifiable value in mine safety, productivity, reliability and sustainability. As advancements in mine technology create new training needs, it develops new learning technologies to support operators and supervisors running collision avoidance and autonomous haulage solutions, in addition to Immersive’s collaboration with Komatsu in the area of tele-operation of mining machines.

“It has been our privilege to respond with agility to the needs and voice of our customers and to earn the mining industry’s trust,” the company said. “Throughout our 30 years in business and into the future, it is our partnership with you that drives us forward.”

Immersive Technologies equips EPSA with simulator program to train up truck operators in Saudi Arabia

Careers in mining, Energy minerals, Mining equipment, Mining services, Mining software, , , , , , ,

Immersive Technologies and earthmoving contractor EPSA have partnered on a new simulator training program in Saudi Arabia for community workforce development at a phosphate project.

The two companies, who have been involved in a number of joint community workforce development projects in the past, are pursuing a Komatsu HD785-7 truck simulator training program with a focus to enhance operational readiness and support EPSA’s strategy to train a growing Saudi Arabian workforce.

For the majority of operators, the simulator training program represented the first opportunity to get behind the controls and gain hands-on equipment operating experience, according to Immersive.

“Simulation provides a safe and risk-free environment to not only build basic machine operation skills, but also specific techniques related to safety, machine care and production optimisation,” it said. “One of the main project objectives was to streamline the training process at EPSA mining operations to ensure long-term operator productivity and reduced risks associated with newly developed workforces.”

Deploying simulation technology has, according to Immersive, aided in EPSA maintaining a level of zero percentage of lost time injuries from the project’s start and has also helped EPSA reach Saudization milestones with more than 80% of the current haulage operators being Saudi Arabian.

Mahfoud Snacel Training Manager of EPSA (pictured on the left with Lucas Natoli, Regional Manager for Immersive Technologies in Europe & Middle East, on the right), said: “EPSA aim to deliver a high degree of equipment availability and production levels for our mines. We also have an ongoing focus on improving safety. Our partnership with Immersive Technologies has helps us prepare workforces to meet these goals and to support a culture of safety and benefit to all workers.”

Johan Stemmet, Regional Vice President – EMEA & CIS for Immersive Technologies, added: “Immersive Technologies is fully committed to supporting EPSA’s strategic workforce development strategy. This includes ensuring the mining communities have the right people, process and technology to develop safe and productive workforces.”

EPSA also uses workforce development solutions at Isaac Downs in Queensland, Australia, and have acquired two PRO5 Simulators at its open-cut coal mine in Australia.

Holmesglen Institute invests in ThoroughTec CYBERMINE simulators for UG training

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Holmesglen Institute, a leading and diversified TAFE (technical and further education) operating throughout Victoria, Australia, will acquire two highly-advanced, fifth generation CYBERMINE simulators to train underground equipment operators.

The Sandvik DS421-C and DD420 simulators from ThoroughTec Simulation will enhance Holmesglen’s training offering in the mining and tunnelling sector, it said. The simulators will be deployed at the Australia-first, Victorian Tunnelling Centre at (Drummond Street campus) in Chadstone, Victoria, which offers specialist training to workers in the mining, construction and tunnelling sectors.

Associate Director of Holmesglen’s Centre for Energy and Infrastructure, Dr Ross Digby, said there was high demand for innovative immersive training.

“The new simulators at Holmesglen will teach underground workers practical skills in a safe, controlled and highly realistic setting that reproduces a variety of site conditions and scenarios,” he said.

Business Development Manager at ThoroughTec Simulation, Joel Leatt-Hayter, said the training simulators will help workers familiarise themselves with widely used machinery in Australia.

“The Sandvik DD420 drill rig is an immensely popular tunnelling drill rig used and proven throughout the world, while the Sandvik DS421-C is a rock reinforcement bolter for specialised cement grouted, cable bolt installations,” Leatt-Hayter. “Both machines are extremely complex pieces of equipment requiring a high degree of proficiency to operate safely and efficiently.”

CYBERMINE simulator systems are extremely effective at preparing operators for the challenges and complexity of real-world mining, allowing operators to hone their skills in a controlled, safe environment while being exposed to a wide array of scenarios, many of which would be impossible to train otherwise and consequently better prepare them for conditions underground, Holmesglen Institute said.

“As an example, operators can be exposed to jammed drill bits or even vehicle fires, which obviously would be difficult to safely replicate on the actual equipment,” Leatt-Hayter said. “It’s vital that operators are accurate in positioning the rig and booms to ensure accurate patterns are drilled and optimal blasts achieved. Of equal importance is the correct application of feed pressure, rotation speeds and percussion to maximise work rate without compromising drill string life.”

Holmesglen Institute has developed strong relationships with industry partners to develop and provide customised training for workers at its Drummond Street campus.

“Our aim is to give industry partners the training solutions they need for their projects and create the best possible learning experience for workers,” Dr Digby said. “The simulators offer a lot of flexibility to customise training. We’ll be able to meet changing project needs over time too.”

The two simulators being delivered to Holmesglen Institute will be deployed on a CYBERMINE 5 Base Unit which features full HD laser projected displays, 5.1 surround sound, and an advanced instructor station to develop customised training exercises and monitor students in real time. The system also features comprehensive debriefing and reporting facilities to further enhance student skill development and knowledge retention.

Sandvik to unveil new battery-powered bolter, simulator and app at MINExpo

Automation, Communications in mining, Environmental, Equipment maintenance, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining events, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , , , , ,

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is set to unveil three new underground drilling solutions at MINExpo 2021 in Las Vegas, based around a common theme of electrification, sustainability and digitalisation.

The new products to be unveiled at the show, taking place from September 13-15, include a new battery-powered bolting rig, an accompanying portable training simulator and a new mobile application for enhanced drilling.

The new Sandvik DS412iE (pictured) is a highly automated, productive, battery-electric powered rock bolter for underground mining and tunnelling applications. It is equipped with an electric driveline system and battery package with electric motor for zero emissions while tramming and drilling, thereby reducing thermal load and underground ventilation requirements, Sandvik says.

The rig’s iSeries platform offers various levels of automation for rock support drilling as well as providing component commonality through the 400i drill range. The introduction of Sandvik DS412iE rounds out Sandvik’s first range of battery-electric vehicles for all underground drilling applications, according to the company.

Sandvik Digital Driller™ training simulators provide a compact and flexible solution to safely train underground drill rig operators or maintenance teams, the company says. The latest Digital Driller module is specifically designed to support the new Sandvik DS412iE battery-electric rig, with the new version retaining the key features of being low weight and highly portable, enabling it to be used where it is most needed – on site.

Use of the simulator is estimated to increase annual productivity by 5% due to increased rig availability alone, Sandvik claims. In addition, training costs are reduced by up to 35% through less energy and consumables costs and reduced rig damage.

The new Sandvik DrillConnect mobile application transfers drilling plans – including those created in iSURE® – drilling reports and MySandvik machine data in environments where network coverage is inadequate or not available. Sandvik DrillConnect removes paper-based processes and automates the data transfer between the office and drill rig via a customer’s preferred mobile device. The app also provides easy access to the machine’s troubleshooting and manuals and is designed to be scalable for future development, according to Sandvik. The first version will be compatible with iOS devices, with plans to introduce Android compatibility in future iterations.

Patrick Murphy, President of Underground Drilling at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, said: “Our latest developments are based on the feedback we have received from customers. We have listened to their challenges and are developing solutions that ensure we will continue to lead the industry shift toward a more digitalised and electrified future.”

In addition to the new underground drilling solutions being introduced at MINExpo, a Sandvik DL432i tele-remote operator chair will be on display. Sandvik will also showcase the latest updates to its underground drilling product offering.

Immersive to supply simulators, solutions for Rio’s Gudai-Darri automation

Mining equipment, Mining services, Mining software, Steel and iron ore, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Rio Tinto has enlisted the help of Immersive Technologies and its equipment simulators to further its autonomous haulage footprint at the new Gudai-Darri iron ore mine in Western Australia.

The mine, which will operate Caterpillar autonomous trucks equipped with Cat MineStar™ Command for Hauling system, will use simulation-based training solutions from Immersive Technologies to address the workforce development challenges within autonomous haulage operations with a focus on improving the safety and efficiency of their operator workforce, Immersive said.

Rio has used such systems from Immersive for over 17 years, understanding the value of investing in simulators for operator capability development, including equipment productivity and reliability initiatives, Immersive said.

Rio Tinto Vice President, Human Resources, Scott Browne, said: “This is an important component of our comprehensive training program for AHS, which includes supporting new team members as well as upskilling existing employees. Gudai-Darri will be one of the world’s most technologically advanced mines. Preparations are well under way to ensure its workforce is ready to take on the high-tech jobs on offer.”

Focused on capability development in the usage of the autonomous system, Rio Tinto partnered with Immersive Technologies to provide a solution to support the mine-readiness schedule and objectives, Immersive said. Specific training products include a platform which simulates a Cat 6060 excavator, Cat D10T dozer and Cat 18M grader. All simulator modules are equipped with an autonomous system panel and provide a safe and effective environment for training by allowing learners to operate their equipment while interacting with the autonomous trucks and managing their work areas as required, the company added.

The simulator solution is complimented by machine pre-start inspection software, which provides a detailed visualisation of equipment components, including autonomous components fitted to machines. Additionally, a ‘Virtual Classroom’ product hosts complex autonomous procedures that immerses learners in a safe and repeatable virtual environment which enables the development of deep knowledge and muscle memory of operational procedures, Immersive said.

Greg Karadjian, Regional Vice President Australia of Immersive, said: “Immersive Technologies is at the forefront of workforce development for autonomous haulage mining operations with deployments of simulation-based training solutions in more than 17 autonomous sites globally, by utilising blended learning systems, simulation and human performance analytics our solutions are preparing the workforces of the future.”

Back in 2019, Rio, Caterpillar and WesTrac signed an agreement to supply and support mining machines, automation and enterprise technology systems at Gudai-Darri, with Rio confirming the supply of a fleet of 20 autonomous 793F trucks as well as four autonomous blast drills.

Gudai-Darri will deliver a new production hub for Rio Tinto’s iron ore business in the Pilbara. Once complete, the mine will have an annual capacity of 43 Mt, underpinning production of the Pilbara Blend, Rio’s flagship iron ore product.