Bridging depths and data in mines: 5G-based point cloud mapping in unstructured environments

Abstract

Underground mines pose significant challenges, including hazardous working conditions, limited access, and the need to ensure the safety of human workers. Digital transformation through the integration of modern technologies is essential to mitigate these challenges and enhance the overall safety and efficiency of mining operations. This paper addresses the pressing need for 5G connectivity for the digital transformation of underground mines and demonstrates its application through a live 3D point cloud mapping by a mobile robot. The results of the experiments conducted to validate the network’s performance for such a use-case are presented. The first experiment involved testing the latency of the network over a test drift at various loads. The second experiment involved mapping the drift and streaming the 3D point cloud map of the drift over the 5G network. These initial experiments emphasize the potential of the 5G-enabled automation in underground mines and holds promise in digitalizing underground mining operations.