Tag Archives: indurad

CPI, Sibelco, Bell and xtonomy launch UK-first autonomous ADT pilot project

14th March 2024Automation, Industrial minerals, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining services, Mining softwareADTs, automation, Bell B40E, Ben Uphill, Chepstow Plant International, china clay, Christian Riedel, Cornwood, diesel, HVO, indurad, John Corcoran, Nic Grout, quarry, Sibelco, xtonomyDaniel Gleeson

Sibelco’s china-clay Cornwood quarry in Devon, UK, has, today, played host to the launch of an autonomous ADT designed to help future proof the effectiveness and competitiveness of extractive operations such as mining within the minerals and aggregates industry.

The development of autonomous driving capability opens the door to a range of operational efficiency, safety, environmental and employee benefits to underpin the sector going forward, according to the compaies involved.

The UK-first project was initially conceptualised by Chepstow Plant International (CPI) and Bell Equipment following long-term trials between Bell Equipment and technology platform specialist, xtonomy.

CPI identified Sibelco, a long-term valued strategic customer, as the ideal partner to bring the project to reality in a live-working quarry environment. Collectively, the four stakeholders have collaborated to develop and launch a quarry transportation proposition that has its eyes on the future.

The launch event for the venture today saw key industry guests invited to witness a full demonstration of the new autonomous solution within a working quarry setting. Presentations highlighted the on-board hardware and software technologies, including radar sensors from indurad, high-precision GPS, multi-channel communication systems and on-board processing hardware. They have been incorporated by xtonomy into a standard B40E dump truck to create an Autonomous-Ready drive by wire B40E solution.

As a result, the combination offers true and safe autonomy with a resilient navigation system that dynamically plans ADT paths and predictively controls the vehicle around the entire quarry site, the companies say.

Among the key objectives with this pilot scheme will be to demonstrate the potential to reduce vehicular incidents and subsequent accidents as well as upskilling then the existing workforce to further support the future of quarry operations.

Operational efficiencies will be enhanced as the autonomous ADTs are able to operate for longer periods during the working day, deliver highly accurate tipping results and ensure that the existing quarry shift patterns can be tailored to improve productivity. Further benefits will be available thanks to improved component life and reduced wear and tear on the Bell B40E dump truck, leading to improved asset availability for the quarry, they say.

On-board hardware and software technologies, including radar sensors from indurad, high-precision GPS, multi-channel communication systems and on-board processing hardware have been incorporated by xtonomy into a standard B40E dump truck to create an Autonomous-Ready drive by wire B40E solution

Environmental advantages will also be leveraged through the AI-enabled transformation. With enhanced driving accuracy and efficiency across the quarry, less fuel will be consumed, helping to ensure reductions in carbon emissions from a a quarry’s daily activities.

To further enhance the autonomous ADTs impact on the environment, the Bell B40E uses HVO instead of diesel.

John Corcoran, Managing Director, at CPI, said: “CPI is delighted to be involved in this exciting and UK-first collaboration; one that is focused on a next generation adventure to ensure UK quarries continue to maximise operational efficiencies and remain competitive. It is important that stakeholders come together in this way to drive advancements and support the industry’s future prospects, whilst continually remain committed to our safety standards and net-zero commitments.

“We are sure that this pilot project will deliver both progress, as well as further challenges. Both of which will provide the pathway towards the ultimate goal.”

Ben Uphill, Director Operations – Kingsteignton Cluster at quarry-owner, Sibelco, says: “We envisage many benefits from having access to this sector-first autonomous ADT solution. The minerals & aggregates sector must embrace technology as a way of continually delivering improvements across our daily operations and cost base. At Sibelco we strive for continuous improvement, with a focus on safety, and the environment through energy efficiency and CO2 reduction. Automation is used in many parts of our operations and business to maximise efficiency and to also manage areas of skills shortage. This has been a fantastic example of collaborative ethos from all partners and has resulted in a safe and productive autonomous driving setup for a key part of our operations.”

Nic Grout, Managing Director at Bell Equipment, said: “Bell Equipment is a leading supplier in the ADT market and as such is proud to be part of this exciting project. Its success can help transform the future of the quarrying sector and we are pleased that our evolutionary E-series and the B40E dump truck sits at the heart of this innovative project. The ability to transform our market leading vehicle through added technology functionality into a safe, robust, effective, and autonomous quarrying asset is welcome and sets the standard for future developments across our vehicle range.”

Christian Riedel, CEO at xtonomy, says: “Supporting the quarrying sector through the appliance of result-orientated automation platform solutions is a key commitment for the business. Expectations and needs are changing as the industry looks to transition to a future where improved efficiency, better safety and targeted environmental considerations are key priorities. Our AI technology incorporated onto the already successful Bell B40E dump truck evolves it to a next generation payload transportation blueprint.”

Intrepid Group and indurad partner on anti-collision, volumetric inventory and positioning solution offering

12th October 2022Automation, Communications in mining, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining servicesAdriaan Goosen, Alberta, British Columbia, Campbell Adams, collision avoidance, indurad, Intrepid Group, positioning, Saskatchewan, volumetric inventoryDaniel Gleeson

Intrepid Group Ltd and indurad have announced a new strategic partnership to provide robust anti-collision, volumetric inventory and positioning solutions for the mining and material handling industry.

The partnership will have a focus on the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, the pair said.

Indurad calls itself the global leader in radar-based automation and productivity solutions for mine sites, train loadouts, stockyard equipment and shiploading facilities. Its patented 2D and 3D radar systems are installed at mining operations and ports worldwide to increase ore throughput and minimise downtime and collisions.

Intrepid Group says it helps its customers improve their operations through accurate and efficient measurement of their processes, partnering with manufacturers to develop solutions that achieve these goals.

“Partnerships with regional leaders like Intrepid Group allow us to enhance our market coverage,” Adriaan Goosen, Director of Engineering at indurad, said.

Campbell Adams, Chief Executive Officer at Intrepid Group, added: “We are delighted by the partnership. indurad’s solutions affords us even greater flexibility to meet the diverse needs of our customers. The synergies of this partnership will greatly benefit both our current and future customers.”

PE firm Jolimont on board with indurad radar offering

1st May 2019Automation, Bulk handling, Equipment maintenance, IoT, Mine surveying, Mining equipment, Mining finance, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Mining softwarebulk handling, Christian Augustin, indurad, Jolimont, Lex McArthur, Lyle Bruce, METS, private equity, radar, Reik WinkelDaniel Gleeson

METS-focused private equity group, Jolimont, has made another investment in the sector, this time putting €4 million ($4.5 million) into RWTH Aachen University spinoff indurad.

Reik Winkel, indurad CEO and co-founder, said: “indurad’s radar solutions remove bottlenecks in the movement of ore from mine to ship to market at a fraction of the cost of building larger facilities.

“Bringing Jolimont on board as shareholders represents a significant step in our strategy to build the company to €50 million in revenue.”

Winkel said the key reason for selecting Jolimont as an investor was their strong network in the mining industry and deep understanding of innovative technologies. Co-Founder Christian Augustin acknowledged the success of Jolimont as an active shareholder in Newtrax, recently acquired by Sandvik, making them “perfect partners” for indurad’s next growth phase.

Jolimont’s Lyle Bruce and Lex McArthur will be joining the indurad Board of Directors.

Bruce is a Partner of RCF Jolimont and was formerly Managing Director of GroundProbe, a leading radar-based rock-slope monitoring provider, from 2003 to 2013. He is Chairman of MineWare, a dragline monitoring software company and Chairman of Blast Movement Technologies, providing solutions that accurately locate ore and waste zones after blasting.

McArthur, a Founding Partner of Jolimont, is also a director of Blast Movement Technologies and is a director of Minnovare, specialising in improving the productivity of underground drilling operations.

McArthur said: “We undertook extensive due diligence on indurad and three things stood out; their best-in-class radar systems, the glowing testimonials from their customers and partners in terms of value delivered, and the high calibre of their engineering and management team.”

indurad was founded in 2008 as a spin-off of RWTH Aachen University, in Germany. It has a team of more than 100 employees globally and offices in Germany, Australia, Canada, USA, Brazil, Chile and South Africa.