On Friday, July the 12th 2024, companies from the Digital Solutions Division (DSD) of the Epiroc group, specifically Mining TAG in collaboration with Mernok, successfully conducted tests of the 4th generation “Epiroc Titan (CAS)” collision alert system at Epiroc Chile's offices in Conchalí. This initiative was carried out as preliminary tests prior to the technology's installation at the open-pit mine of Codelco's El Teniente Division.
Mining TAG managed the execution of these tests under the supervision of Mernok specialists. The testing team was led by Sebastián Salinas, Engineering Manager at Mining TAG, with the support of Jacques Duminy, Electronic Design Engineer, and Dirk Kriel, Junior Electronic Design Engineer, both from Mernok.
The test involved the installation of the Titan CAS system on an Epiroc battery-operated Scooptram and a pickup truck. The pickup was driven around the stationary Scooptram to demonstrate the vehicle-to-vehicle detection capabilities of the system. The Titan CAS system is modular and can incorporate many technologies such as GNSS, ToF, computer vision, and low frequency. On this occasion, the tests were conducted using GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).
Both the pickup and the Scooptram were configured as level 7/8 CAS systems. The Scooptram supports up to a level-9 configuration (so that the system can automatically slow/stop the vehicle). The Titan CAS system can comply with EMERST (Earth Moving Equipment Safety Round Table) levels 7-9, a safety standard developed for earth-moving equipment in the mining and construction industry. These levels describe different degrees of sophistication and functionality in collision warning and mitigation systems:
Level 7: Systems that provide collision warnings to the vehicle operator, alerting them of the proximity of other vehicles or obstacles.
Level 8: Systems that provide warnings and can also intervene to control the vehicle in emergency situations, for example, by slowing it down to avoid a collision.
Level 9: Advanced systems that not only provide warnings and can slow down the vehicle but can also automatically stop it completely to avoid an imminent collision.
The systems were configured to support audio and visual messages in both English and Spanish. The applicable language is activated according to the license card in use.
This collaboration between Mining TAG and Mernok exemplifies the synergy within the Epiroc Group, highlighting the importance of DSD solutions in enhancing mining safety through advanced technology. The successful implementation of the tests marked the beginning of the installation phase at the El Teniente Division. This marks a significant milestone in our commitment to innovative mining solutions. The system installation at Codelco is currently being completed.
