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Epiroc, which recently dubbed its integrated digitalisation and automation efforts as the ‘6th Sense' approach, claimed this was the first time a "fully autonomous" version of the machine was put to work.
The SmartROC D65 down-the-hole (DTH) hammer drill rig, capable of hole diameters between 110-203mm down to a depth of 56m, was designed for use in both quarrying and mining.
The machine can complete drill patterns autonomously, removing the operator from the site.
According to Epiroc, by automating the drilling process, operators can drill more holes per shift as it results in continuous operation without breaks and less wear on drilling tools.
A combination of existing technologies developed by Epiroc, such as its rod handling system (RHS), hole navigation system (HNS), auto positioning and scalable rig control system (RCS), helped create the autonomous machine for the Hollinger project.
"To make this work we are using the smart functions on the drill rig that are already there. Since we developed these functions over the years, we have a good understanding of how to incorporate them in the autonomous mode," Mayya Popova, product manager automation in Surface and Exploration Drilling division at Epiroc, explained.
