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Mining Contract: Machine Learning Enhanced Perception for Automated or Remote Roof Bolting Operations in Underground Mining
Keywords: Automation
Contract #
75D30121C12206Start Date
9/1/2021Research Concept
In addition to mining applications, many confined spaces, underground infrastructures, and disaster areas share similar challenges in relation to machine perception in the mining environment—namely significant levels of airborne particles that inhibit imaging and poor lighting conditions. A technology is needed that will enable augmented and virtual reality for remote operation of mining equipment in such environments and provide a path for a mine of the future in which only machines go underground. Such perception advancements will complement current technologies for positioning and operating underground equipment in a variety of environments, including hard rock, industrial minerals, and coal mining operations.
Contract Status & Impact
This contract is ongoing. For more information on this contract, send a request to mining@cdc.gov.
The primary objective of this contract research is to enable roof bolting automation through the following adavancements:
Machine perception of the geometry and support materials by combining newly available commercial imaging and ranging technologies.
Segmentation of the native rock from support materials, such as wire mesh or steel straps, and identification of acceptable drilling locations using machine learning techniques.
Automated planning of rig placement and drilling operations with proven robotics-motion-planning algorithms given a pre-engineered desired drilling pattern.
Development of the design concepts for automated mechanisms that can handle drilling rods, bolts, plates and nuts, and resin or grouting.In support of these objectives, researchers will develop a solution that can display an image of the support area that is classified as rock/metal (color-coded) to a remote operator. Then, based on user selection, the angle and position of the drill rig for support placement will be planned, enabling visual monitoring of the drilling operation.
A capstone design goal for this research is to develop mechanisms and automation approaches for drill and bolt handling and changeout to enable fully remote operations and future autonomous platforms. A "stretch goal" is to integrate the solution with a Komatsu-provided automated drilling platform to demonstrate remote or autonomous end-to-end capabilities.
Once demonstrated for the mining environment, it is anticipated that this technology approach and developed algorithms will be adopted by other safety-critical areas.
See Also
Accurate Navigation and Control of Continuous Mining Machines for Coal Mining
Characteristics of Ultrasonic Ranging Sensors in an Underground Environment
Experience with an Integrated, Computer-Controlled Communications and Monitoring System at the Robena Mine
A Fail-Safe Control System for a Mine Methane Pipeline
A Microcomputer Network for Mining Machine Control
Remote Vision System for Dozers on Coal Stockpiles
Safety Breakthrough -- Reduced Exposure Mining System (REMS)
Safety Issues and the Use of Software-Controlled Equipment in the Mining Industry
Technology News 453 - Navigation and Control of Continuous Mining Systems for Coal Mining
Workshop on Emerging Technologies in Metal Mining
Page last reviewed: February 27, 2023
Page last updated: February 27, 2023
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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