Robots and mining: the implications for Australian industry in the 1980's

Abstract

SummaryAfter elucidating the terms ‘mining’ and ‘robot’, a historical background to the problem of mining is described, with emphasis on the use of technology. Various reasons for the increasing utilisation of technology are discussed, as regards the mechanisation of existing operations and those unachievable without new technology. It is asserted that the mining industry has a number of particular features that make increasing mechanisation especially attractive. The point is made that the ultimate stage of the historical tendency towards the use of new technology is fully automatic mining, a goal that may not be realised, however, in the next decade.The above historical discussion is followed by a critical appraisal of the conservative nature of the Australian industry and the study of the various factors that contribute to the slow uptake of new technology in mining.Attention is then concentrated on the general problem of robots and mining. It is shown that worldwide there were no applications of robots to mining up to the end of 1981. A wide study has been carried out to identify some uses of robots in mining, but without success.The next topic to be discussed is the widespread confusion about robots and teleoperators. The fundamental difference between the two is underlined, and particular attention is paid to Thring's teleoperator mining concept (telechiric mining). It is emphasized that telechiric mining will have no significant impact upon Australian mining in this decade.These pessimistic asssessments are followed by claims that in some areas robotic concepts, though not robots themselves, could have a considerable effect on mining automation in the 1980's, both in Australia and elsewhere. The following projects are enumerated as possible candidates for applying robotic concepts: Surface mining; Mine development; Underground coal transport; Coal winning; Coal preparation. In order to make progress, it is recommended that a robotics expert ought to be included in the interdisciplinary teams studying the problem of mining automation.The last part of this paper is devoted to Australia's need for robotic mining. A list of systems involving robotic concepts is presented that may be realised in the current decade. It is maintained that Australia ought to develop a few of such systems for the domestic and international markets, and that the short-term needs of the Australian mining industry are fundamentally different from those of other Australian industries as regards robots. Hence, decisions regarding robots for mining should be made independently from those appertaining to automation problems of other industries.