Proximity detection system (PDS) suppliers, which are compliant to the ISO 21815-2 draft (March 2018), are already able to interface with an Epiroc RCS materials handling trackless mobile machinery (TMM) to enable functionality for slowing and stopping when the PDS perceives a hazardous or unwanted event.
The CAS interface allows third-party systems to communicate with Epiroc's RCS in a new way - it enables a third-party PDS added to the vehicle to take interventional control of the machine, when needed, to prevent accidents.
The CAS interface, when coupled with a PDS, helps to detect objects in the collision risk area, evaluate the collision risk level and take interventional actions to avoid the potential collision. The system works on the understanding that all machines and all persons in the mine are equipped with tags or sensors.
Epiroc stated that a CAS installation is intended to assist with operators' perception of potential hazards around the machine and prevention of potential incidents where operators cannot respond in time; however, it noted that the overall responsibility for safe operation of the machine remains with the operator.
Daniel Sandström, global product manager - Minetruck in Epiroc's underground division, said: "With safety first and always in mind, I am proud to see the release of the Collision Avoidance System interface. This improves safety underground in a groundbreaking way."
The CAS interface is now available and can be ordered for the complete Epiroc RCS loader fleet as well as the Minetruck MT42. It will also soon be available for the Minetruck MT65. The company stated that its customers have been pleased with the performance and functionality of the Epiroc CAS interface and are beginning to grasp the magnitude of the work involved in implementing such a system.
Epiroc will change the CAS interface from supporting ISO 21815-2 draft (March 2018) to further supporting the final version of ISO 21815-2 within a year following its release.
Kumeshan Naidu, integration manager M&A at Epiroc's technology and digital division, said: "The Epiroc RCS collision avoidance interface performed as designed, demonstrating high consistency in the cases where the proximity detection systems (PDS) provided reliable input signals. The CAS initiative is not a ‘plug and play' solution and must be tailored, with the participation of all parties to suite a particular site. Change management and risk mitigation strategies on these sites are key when implementing the system."
Naidu can see further potential in the future as well. He added: "Solutions like Mobilaris Onboard can augment a mine's efforts to ensure safety, as well as create a more ‘natural' state of awareness that underground TMM operators can respond to. With an interface that is more familiar to the operator, who typically drives commercial vehicles (GPS, Waze, Google Maps), their reflex is to naturally avoid a potential unwanted event from occurring. An operator or pedestrian that is equipped with real time information about their surroundings, through systems like Mobilaris's MMI, Onboard and Pocket Mine, will be better suited to promote a safe working environment - one in which the CAS slow down and stop functionality is a last resort in preventing collision events."
Epiroc is part of the ISO standard working group where new standards are being developed. Epiroc is also participating in the International Council for Mining and Metals (ICMM) initiative for vehicle interaction.
