With your operators either in a remote location or at a distance from the machine in a line-of-sight scenario, the risk of accidents and injuries is significantly lowered.
SMS Equipment
Getting started
To determine how teleremote technology can benefit your operations, and what solution makes the most sense, start by answering these questions:
What is your need?
Implementing teleremote technology starts with understanding your mine operation’s use case. What is your impetus for adoption? What are your challenges? Objectives? Defining all this up front is critical, says Oldenburg. “Once we understand your challenges and applications, we can tailor the best solution.”
OEM or aftermarket?
Once you’ve articulated your use case, you’ll have a better sense of whether an OEM or aftermarket solution is best. When deciding between an OEM and an aftermarket teleremote control solution, several factors should be considered. OEM integration, such as that offered by Komatsu, typically offers seamless integration with the equipment, because it is specifically designed for the model in question. This ensures optimal performance, reliability, and easier support, often with warranties and manufacturer-backed service.
An aftermarket solution can range from a basic line-of-sight setup to a fully autonomous fleet and can be customized to your current equipment — any make or model. Oldenburg notes that RCT, SMS Equipment’s partner in teleremote solutions for mining, says they have yet to come across a piece of equipment they couldn’t work with. This machine-agnostic solution is more affordable, and specific options can be layered as your operation’s needs change.
What’s your timeline?
From initial conversations to deployment, the average implementation period for an aftermarket solution is between three and six months. “You can move pretty quickly because it’s not an all-encompassing technology that affects your entire fleet,” says Oldenburg. “It’s very much on an asset-per-asset basis.” With OEM, because the tech is already installed in the asset, integration is even faster.
Are your people ready?
Introducing any major technology to your organization often requires some change management. What is your team’s experience, and comfort level, with new technology? How will it affect workflows and processes? What training and support will your people need?
What infrastructure is required?
The level of infrastructure required depends on the complexity of the solution. A line-of-sight installment on one loader requires less support than a more robust deployment, which may involve network or digital asset management systems.
Scaling up, out, and beyond
Oldenburg reports that, after the initial deployment, teleremote users are so happy they often find more opportunities for scaling the technology. For example, one mine automated its dozers to track pack. “They layered in an automation where several dozers are performing this task, going back and forth autonomously,” Oldenburg explains. “When they’re done, someone takes control, moves them to another location and sets them on their way.”
It’s this kind of agility that Oldenburg believes will drive teleremote innovation in the future. “I see it evolving on the automation side and bringing in advanced features, such as supervised autonomy.” He also notes that interoperability — such as integration with an autonomous haulage ecosystem — is another feature being built out.
Teleremote technology can be a key integration to your mine on many fronts. From enhancing safety to increasing productivity to helping meet sustainability targets, your people, operations, and balance sheet all stand to benefit from this game-changing solution.
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