RCT's current ControlMaster automation range is designed to help increase productivity and profitability at surface and underground mines. In the past year, the company has continued to develop its solutions to directly meet industry demands.

RCT said that, as its automation offering is agile across all mobile machines, regardless of make or model, it is ideal for sites operating mixed fleets and those not wanting to replace existing infrastructure.

RCT's automation and control product manager, Brendon Cullen, noted: "RCT knows there is no ‘one-size-fits-all' approach when it comes to automation. Different mine sites are at different stages and the majority of them are operating diverse fleets.

"We wanted to ensure we are able to supply various levels of automation to suit clients' equipment and requirements, while empowering them with the options of making staged upgrades if and when required down the track."

As part of this aim, the company will adapt and deliver new features to "to ensure clients get the most out of their autonomous equipment".

The latest launch includes RCT's Guidance Automation package, with driverless technology that allows the operator to control machines from an automation centre.

"Guidance Automation has already proven to combat operator fatigue considerably as less concentration is required to keep mobile machines from hitting the drive walls, allowing operators to focus on the important tasks like digging," Cullen said.

The Guidance Automation package includes Point-to-Point, which allows a machine to tram from one point to the other with the push of a button.

"It will stay on the optimal path, with no intervention needed. This feature improves tramming time, reduces machine damage, and improves productivity and profitability," Cullen added.

In addition to this, the package addresses the demand for more relevant information with Guidance Dash (GDash).

According to RCT, used in conjunction with ControlMaster Guidance, G-Dash gives operators a graphical representation of the machine, displaying its articulation angle, waypoint, locations, machine's speed, RPM and pitch and roll.

The next package is RCT's Guidance Expand, which adds optional extras to further enhance Guidance Automation to suit specific mine requirements. Expand comprises Select, Control, AutoNav, AutoLoad, DigAssist and G-Data.

"These advanced options allow sites to implement step-by-step autonomous advancements," Cullen said.

Rounding out the release is RCT's Infinite package, which combines all the latest technology available to deliver the full mining solution.

At present this includes Automation, Traffic Management, Telematics, Network, People and Asset Tracking and Integration.