Remote-controlled robotic complex for underground mining

Abstract

As the global rich mineral deposits are becoming depleted, the deposit development is performed with a deeper bedding and in much more difficult mining and geological conditions. This circumstance determines both the increase in the labor intensity and development costs, and the increased likelihood of emergencies. In recent years, the accidents have become more frequent at the Russian mining enterprises, aggravated not only by the significant damages, but also by the casualties. The ongoing efforts to correct the tight situation do not have a perceptible effect. A complete exclusion of the presence of people underground should be considered as a drastic remedy for preventing human casualties. It can be achieved only through the use of machinery and technology for manless mining using the automated control systems. The Department of Engineering Mechanics of the Ural State Mining University has formed the concept of a “remote-controlled robotic complex for underground mining”, according to which a surface-controlled system of mining equipment will absolve the miners from working underground. At present, the favorable conditions have been laid for combining the in-mine equipment and permanent installations into a single complex under the control of operators located on the soil surface. In accordance with the concept, the technological robotic complex is transformed into a mechatronic system of the underground mining equipment. The mechatronic system is divided into the separate subsystems by the types of equipment. Particular attention is paid to the automated complex remote-control system based on the telemetry principles using the latest means of data acquisition, conversion and transmission. The system interface provides the most efficient and error-free performance of the operator throughout the entire shift. The concept implementation of the remote-controlled robotic complex in the mining industry will allow not only to avoid the tragic consequences of emergencies in the mines, but also to elevate the national mining equipment and technology to the highest world standards.