Tag Archives: Immersive Technologies

Komatsu creates group focused on automation interoperability

Automation, Communications in mining, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software, , , , , , , , , ,

To maximise the opportunities and potential that exists with furthering automation in mining, Modular Mining’s parent company, Komatsu, recently created the Komatsu Technology Interoperability Center of Excellence.

This group, based in Tucson, Arizona, focuses entirely on driving product strategy and developing roadmaps for technology and automation. Some of its recent work is geared towards an interoperability-focused ISO standard that, it says, will help make interoperability of automated equipment a reality.

Komatsu explained: “These in-development strategies and roadmaps aim to include the full range of mining equipment across all original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) within the Komatsu family, including both surface and underground equipment, and leverage the original technology manufacturers including Modular Mining, MineWare, and Immersive Technologies.”

The new Technology Interoperability group is focused on providing customers with a high-quality portfolio of state-of-the-art, integration-ready technologies and automated systems for all types of mining, according to Komatsu.

“The group’s vision centres on delivering innovative mine automation solutions that exceed customer expectations and provide a step change in safety and productivity,” it said. “Recognising that each mine has its own unique requirements and that customer operations span the various levels of being autonomous-ready, Komatsu is committed to developing solutions across the automation spectrum, including offerings specific to: truck spotting, assisted operation (including active blade control), autonomous drilling, and more.”

The pace of the technological evolution in the consumer world is driving mining’s evolution, Komatsu says.

“We’re seeing faster adoption of automation technologies and enablers at mining operations worldwide. Automation capabilities in the consumer automotive industry, including the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems that provide lane assistance and adaptive cruise control, are becoming standard systems on new cars. The underlying technologies of these automation capabilities, including controllers, sensors, algorithms, and artificial intelligence (AI), among others, are becoming more mature, thus opening opportunities for adoption into the mining industry.”

Effective mining automation solutions require interoperability, as most mines have a mixed fleet of equipment. To support that customer need, Komatsu says it is leading the development of an ISO standard that will help make interoperability of automated equipment a reality.

“Together with Modular Mining’s OEM agnosticism and a focus on both safety and sustainability, we are confident these standards will support the delivery of improved solutions to meet customer and societal needs,” the company said.

Many miners have started to digitalise their processes, but the greatest optimisation occurs when silos are collectively broken down, data is shared and solutions are integrated, the company says.

“To further this effort, Modular Mining is working towards integration with third-party technology partners, which will allow the company’s IntelliMine solutions and third-party systems (such as mine planning and payload monitoring systems, among others) to seamlessly share data with one another.

“Access to this previously unavailable third-party data will enable Modular Mining to streamline overall operational efficiency by enhancing the existing decision-making algorithms within a site’s IntelliMine technologies.”

The advances in industrial computing and algorithm developments also allow AI and machine learning to be pushed to the ‘edge’ of onboard equipment, enabling automatic identification and corrective action for previously unsolvable production, maintenance, and safety related problems, according to Komatsu.

“As the role of automation in the mining industry continues to increase, so too does the excitement from Komatsu’s Technology Interoperability group,” the company said. “In the past year, our teams have had the privilege of working with many customers and internal groups to develop a new strategy and roadmap that will help drive future offerings for our customers. We are excited to continue applying advanced technology, equipment, and services to help support the mining industry’s exciting and necessary evolution to meet the demands of society for the long haul.”

OK Tedi boosts operator safety with new Immersive Technologies collaboration

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Immersive Technologies and OK Tedi have established the first fully-integrated Operator Performance Analytics (OPA) system as part of the Papua New Guinea miner’s focus on operator safety, Immersive says.

Following the successful delivery of continuous improvement projects and managed services by Immersive, OK Tedi opted to establish an OPA installation on-site with the dual goals of improving safety and machine care among their operators, Immersive, which is now part of Komatsu Ltd, said.

Using the OPA electronic operator scorecard, OK Tedi was able to drill down to individual operator performance indicators. These indicators can be used to see how an operator compares with their peers or are trending over time. “Ranking of all operators additionally provides a unique opportunity to motivate personal ownership of safety statistics and performance, while providing management an effective tool to identify training needs to improve overall mine site productivity,” Immersive said.

OPA data can also be filtered specific to machine errors, performance on different machines, performance over time and training history to locate the root cause of a performance trend. An initial dataset was analysed using six months of machine operational data from the field and simulator data, with this data used to identify outlier operators in terms of risk rating or performance against key metrics (such as spot time, average speed loaded and average tonnes per km/h).

Masket Siune, Superintendent Mine Business Improvement & Training OK Tedi, said: “OPA has enabled quicker analysis of mine operator performance to identify trends or patterns to mitigate risk relating to equipment reliability and operator productivity metrics.

“We now have a reliable operator data platform that gives real comprehensive data view to approach our operators and discuss training development needs or for reward and recognition for the outstanding performance based on both risk and productivity criteria.”

With multiple operational data sources integrated within OPA, OK Tedi easily identified a high incidence of high peak frame bias events, therefore prioritising simulator training for those operators contributing the highest error counts, Immersive said. Once underperforming operator groups or individuals are identified, these can be selected and assigned to a training needs analysis report.

Simulator training can then be conducted and training data automatically sent back to OPA —without manual intervention. Typical training scenarios for errors could require operators to navigate loaded trucks over rough road conditions or load and dump using the correct procedure. In turn, this can be used for assessment of training retention and impact.

Alex Da Silva, Global Professional Services Manager at Immersive Technologies, said: “At OK Tedi, analysis that previously took days or weeks, now takes minutes, integrating disparate data systems with simulator generated data provides a single, powerful platform for workforce development planning.”

OK Tedi, which mines copper, gold and silver in the Western province of PNG, plans to extend the use of OPA to additional machines types to further support its operations, according to Immersive.

Byrnecut makes training gains with the help of Immersive

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Byrnecut has partnered with Immersive Technologies to develop a “world-class” technical training centre in Perth, Western Australia.

The mining contractor is set to achieve measurable in-field cost reductions, productivity gains and safety improvements via changes in equipment operator behaviour due to 350 staff coming through the centre in the past nine months of operation, Immersive said.

Equipment Simulators, a tailored suite of learning systems and curricula have been deployed to align with Byrnecut’s “people first” approach to recruitment, skills development and performance improvement, the company added. As part of this, Immersive has delivered two IM360-B simulators and machine modules for a CAT truck and LHD, Sandvik truck and LHD and Atlas Copco (Epiroc) truck.

Pat Boniwell, Byrnecut Australia Managing Director, said the establishment of the centre fits with the Byrnecut philosophy of investing in industry-leading training systems, processes and infrastructure to assist in the personal and professional development of its employees.

Boniwell added: “This, in turn, ensures that we are providing the safest and most productive work places for employees and our clients.”

Supporting the technology integration is a best practice training process which blends eLearning, classroom and simulator training to optimise the learning process for both new hire and experienced equipment operators, Immersive said. This process is managed through the collaboration of Byrnecut and Immersive Technologies on-site training experts.

Dave Kilkenny, Byrnecut Project Manager, said: “Our world-class Training and Induction Center provides the opportunity for experienced and new hire operators to develop best mining practices in a safe, realistic and tech driven environment. Together with Immersive Technologies’ equipment simulators and specialist personnel, our approach is carefully considered to provide valuable feedback and targeted training to address the impacts of performance variability on our business.”

In June, Immersive announced that Komatsu’s wholly-owned subsidiary in Australia had agreed to acquire the company.

Demand for OEM simulators, conversion kits high, Immersive Tech says

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Immersive Technologies says it has engaged in an “unprecedented level” of mining machine simulator development for a diverse range of original equipment manufacturers (OEM) over the past year.

This trend is set to continue with projects underway for new and existing customers to build simulators for heavy machinery manufactured by BELAZ, Caterpillar, Epiroc, Hitachi, Iveco, Komatsu, Liebherr, MACK and Volvo, the company said.

In the last 12 months, Immersive Technologies has released new simulator modules (Conversion Kits®), for Cat Line of Sight Remote Control, Cat 777E Truck, Komatsu 930E-5 Truck, Liebherr R9200 Excavator, Sandvik DD311-40C Jumbo, Volvo FH16 Light Truck and many more, it said.

Investment in Conversion Kits for multiple OEM machines is continuing unabated with projects in development within the next months for: BELAZ 75131 Truck, Cat 994K Wheel Loader, Hitachi EX5600-7 Shovel, Komatsu 730E-8 Truck, Letourneau L-2350 Gen 2 Wheel Loader, Liebherr R9800 Excavator, Mack GU813E Light Truck and others.

Projects are underway to produce simulators for machines manufactured by BELAZ, Caterpillar, Epiroc (formerly Atlas Copco), Hitachi, Iveco, Komatsu, Liebherr, MACK and Volvo.

Wayde Salfinger, Executive Director – Marketing at Immersive Technologies, said: “Our investment in simulators for a diverse range of OEM’s machines is increasing, driven by demand from our customers. Immersive has always and will continue to be focused foremost on the needs of our customers, most of whom operate mixed OEM fleets.”

Salfinger added: “Immersive Technologies’ acquisition by Komatsu will not change our strategy, we will continue to support machines from all OEMs; that’s what our customers expect.” Komatsu announced, just last month, that it would acquire the mining simulation and training specialist.

Immersive Technologies credits its ongoing growth in demand on its proven and verifiable success in increasing mine profitability by optimising the safety and productivity of equipment operators. “These results are driven by a clear focus on integrating people, process, and technology to reduce risk, quantify training impact and effectively managing the training process,” the company said.

Russia equipment simulator training demand on the rise, Immersive says

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Immersive Technologies says it has seen strong demand from mining companies in Russia for its tailored workforce development solutions as equipment sales have risen in the past six years.

The proportion of global mining equipment being deployed in Russia was 22% in 2018, compared with 9% in 2012, with regional growth of 13% over the past six years, according to Immersive.

“As a result, the industry is demanding more skilled personnel,” Immersive said.

In line with this industry growth, Immersive is experiencing a surge in simulator and service sales, which have been proven to achieve safety and productivity improvements throughout all stages of the mining cycle, according to Immersive.

David Anderson, Executive Vice President – Sales and Support at Immersive Technologies, said: “It is an exciting time for mining in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). We are proud to support this region in delivering the safest and most profitable operators.

Immersive highlighted some results from this growth, with the following four customer case studies:

First, Vostochnaya Technica, a long-time customer, is implementing an Immersive simulator as a key part of delivering “mine assessments” to their customers, Immersive said. It is using a PRO4 Surface Mining simulator at one of the SUEK mine sites to improve truck and excavator operator behaviours. “The simulator will then move to a new mine site to assess truck operators and to make clear recommendations on equipment usage with the expected result of quantified productivity improvements,” Immersive said.

Second, a continuous improvement project aimed at enhancing operator skills is underway at Norilsk Nickel. Upon conclusion, the goal is to increase productivity, decrease cycle times, and reduce operator variability. The initial project focuses on underground LHDs but will likely expand to other equipment including bolters, according to Immersive.

Third, Komatsu CIS, in the Kuzbass region, will be using simulation to train new operators, along with assessing experienced operators to improve their skills. “Immersive Technologies will be providing support via our Training Advisor Team to meet their requirements and tailor curricula to their specific needs,” the company said.

And, finally, KAZ Minerals has engaged Immersive Technologies to deliver a training solution which includes multiple IM360-B transportable simulators, interchangeable modules and supporting products and services like Pre-Start Inspection, Instructor Led Training and Training Systems Integration. “As part of this technology and services solution, the Immersive Technologies’ Training Advisor Team is providing support to facilitate the simulation training process to ensure training objectives are achieved,” Immersive said.

Anderson concluded: “Russia and the CIS will continue to be a key market attracting increased investment from Immersive Technologies, over the coming years. We will be there to support the industry growth and needs of our customers.”

ROI dictating technology investment decisions, Immersive Technologies says

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Quantifiable return on investment (ROI) is the top factor impacting mining customer experience and technology investment decisions, according to a recent Immersive Technologies survey.

The simulator specialist surveyed over 100 senior mining professionals across Australia, Africa, Europe, Asia, North America and South America to determine which variables drive a positive experience for miners in the introduction of new technologies. These findings coincide with the release of a new Real Results catalogue (RRC) showing in-depth details demonstrating the company’s training approach.

Bryant Mullaney, VP of Managed Services and Consulting at Immersive, said: “The analysis shows us that quantified ROI is a critical aspect impacting not only original purchase decisions, but long-term satisfaction. These findings highlight the need for suppliers to focus in on what the mining customer really wants, which is long term ROI.”

The research suggested that buyer due diligence is becoming increasingly important.

“In a world where any supplier can make claims of ROI it becomes even more critical that buyers ask for submissions of proof or road test suppliers in a limited capacity before making a larger commitment,” Immersive said. “Failure to properly assess supplier claims can result in missed expectations and a high level of project risk.”

The Immersive Technologies RRC documents customers challenges that led them to seek simulation-based training solutions, solutions they used to address their specific challenge and results they reported with in-field data sources.

Almost in response to these survey results, Immersive provided examples where simulator training programmes had alleviated previous issues at mine sites.

In terms of improving reliability and cost control, the company referred to an example from a US mine that needed to improve machine availability and reduce unscheduled downtime.

It was found abusive shifts, body-ups, over speeds, brake temperatures and overloading were causing the majority of premature failures in this example. A targeted training programme identified, isolated and removed risks to machine health, according to Immersive, reducing abusive shifts by 61% and cutting body up and brake temperatures by 53% and 75%, respectively.

And, when it came to results in cost per tonne, a recent experience from a Mexico mine where a customer was looking for tools to reduce unscheduled maintenance and machine damage costs by operators, the company’s simulators also came to the rescue.

The project initially focused on experienced underground LHD operators, with the mine site steering committee setting goals to reduce maintenance costs and increase productivity.

“After the training was delivered in the simulator, trainers spent time in the field to confirm and reinforce the best practices learned on the simulator,” Immersive said. “Analysis of simulator results against real world data at the end of the three-month period showed dramatic improvements were achieved,” adding that upon completion of the project, the training initiative decreased the site’s cost per tonne by 7.53%.

Mullaney said: “We know sharing these results can be a helpful tool to other sites who face similar challenges and are looking for solutions to address them. We are the only mining operator workforce development provider who can back up our claim with an extensive catalogue of real result case studies spanning the last 10 years.”

AUMS invests in more Immersive Technologies simulators

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African Underground Mining Services (AUMS), a Barminco and Ausdrill 50:50 joint venture contract mining firm, has made further investment in simulators from Immersive Technologies after seeing successful results from the installation of previous training units.

The company has placed additional orders to increase its training capacity, including Professional Services to support the technology integration, Immersive said.

It comes after AUMS saw results from its initial deployment of two IM360 Simulator Platforms with Conversion Kits for Sandvik long hole drills, jumbo drills, LHDs and trucks, along with Conversion Kits for Cat trucks and LHDs.

Scott Miller, AUMS Group Environmental Health, Safety & Transportation Manager, said: “We are committed to investing into quality training that can be applied across new projects. We use the local workforce and the ability to train them using simulators has proven to be a vital part of on-boarding and continual improvement.”

AUMS provides a structured training programme using simulator technology to optimise the training process for inexperienced heavy equipment operators, according to Immersive.

“This structured approach extends to their Train the Trainer programme where, in mutual collaboration with Immersive Technologies, an annual TrainerAdvantage™ training session was conducted over a two-week period at the Immersive Technologies head office in Perth,” the company said.

Simon Vellianitis, Immersive Technologies, Regional Manager, said: “Training is important to AUMS and they have shown how that dedication can equate to dollars. We are proud to see the results they have achieved and honoured with their continued investment.”

Earlier this year, Ausdrill acquired Barminco in a deal that valued Barminco’s equity at A$271.5 million