Abstract
We’re at a watershed moment when it comes to our transportation operations at mines. Mobility technology, particularly autonomous vehicles (AVs), is advancing at a tremendous pace, and mining operators are at the forefront of integrating this technology. Innovations like autonomous haul trucks open new possibilities for working in these challenging environments. But how do we make sure these trucks are accessible, barrier-free, and work for the needs of mine operators?
The answer? By taking the operators’ goals and vision, assessing the AV technology as a whole, and delivering a connected system across the mine. This presentation will provide an overview of recent research on barrier-free mobility which, for the first time, incorporates accessible vehicle design with digital and physical infrastructure to look at the entire process for mines. We’ll also highlight three critical items to focus on when looking at what barrier-free mobility can mean for your mine. The first is to take a systems approach to mobility with consideration for how autonomous technologies can integrate within your mine. This extends beyond the autonomous trucks and includes the integrated operations network to ensure security and safety for workers. Next is to start assessing the infrastructure and sensors that will enable other equipment, because those will be the interfaces with these autonomous trucks. Finally, mine operators and workers need to start asking now for what they need, not just taking what they’re given.
When we start looking at accessible and barrier free mobility through a holistic lens—recognizing that the conversation can and should include all entities involved in creating autonomous mines—we can truly start to remove the barriers that have plagued our mine systems for decades.