Improved autonomous bucket loading

Autonomous loading technology has been enhanced with Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions’ introduction of a new AutoMine feature. AutoMine AutoLoad 2.0 is designed to enable fully automated production cycles for loaders operating in fixed drawpoint and dump point mining applications. The technology aims to increase loading cycle consistency while reducing equipment idle time and operating costs.

Building on its predecessor AutoLoad Assist, the feature includes several design updates and improvements to enable operators to control multiple loaders with less intervention. It enables operators to teach loaders different loading profiles for each drawpoint, aimed at eliminating the need for an operator to assist in the bucket loading procedure when mucking from drawpoints. The profiles can be saved for future use and default profiles are made available for several loader types.

“AutoMine AutoLoad 2.0 will allow customers to operate 24/7 without worrying about operator intervention during mucking once the profiles have been created. This new feature will help our customers see a direct improvement in their production and cycle time reliability,” said Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions product line manager automation Jouni Koppanen.

The company notes that field tests in Europe and North America have demonstrated that the new technology results in faster loading cycle times and consistent bucket fill factors, with an 8% increase in tons loaded per hour and 19% cycle time improvement..

“We are introducing new technologies and features to our existing platform to support our customers as they advance their AutoMine operations,” said Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions acting director global automation product line and projects Ty Osborne.  “We are confident that this development will enhance customer productivity by enabling fully autonomous production loader cycles while maintaining our industry-leading safety standards.”