Rapid advances in technological innovation, including automation, digitization, and electrification, fundamentally impact the mining sector. Therefore, this course is designed to equip the students with the latest advancement in automated and autonomous operations in the mining industry. Topics covered in the course will include the latest developments in (1) sensor technology, (2) teleoperated, automated and autonomous equipment and systems, (3) Big Data and Internet of Things IoT, (4) mine robotics and tele-robotics, (5) emerging technologies and adoption of technologies /systems from other fields (space, aviation, military) for terrestrial mining applications, (6) human factors issues in autonomous systems, and (7) strategic mine planning and design for autonomous mining. The course explains and evaluates the latest technological advancements enabling mining automation. It also examines their impact on mine planning and mine management. In addition, it provides comparisons between the mechanized, automated and autonomous mining.
Course learning outcomes
1. Demonstrate the significance of robotics and automation in the mining industry.
2. Appraise the application of automation in mining operations.
3. Demonstrate state-of-the-art mining technologies´ application for different cases.
4. Identify emerging and potential allied field technologies for application in mining operations.