As the adoption of autonomous systems in mining advances, small vehicle automation is growing more affordable and accessible. Small vehicle automation can be an option for different types of operations(e.g., quarries, small-scale mining operations) that do not use large mining-scale haul trucks. It can also be an entry point for operations that are not ready for large-scale automation. There is also a growing diversity in vendors for smaller scale vehicles, which presents both opportunities and challenges.
This project will be led by the Autonomous Mining Working Group.
To enable the successful adoption of these systems, there is a need for a better understanding and awareness of the unique risks and good practices associated with them.
Background
Some key challenges and opportunities specific to small vehicle automation are included below:
Challenges
Opportunities
Objectives
The objective of this project is to publish a collaborative white paper that can help the industry move forward in the space of small autonomous vehicles by providing common considerations and increasing awareness of challenges and opportunities that are specific to small vehicle automation.
In Scope
Out of Scope
Deliverables
Landscape: Development of a landscape to research work currently being done in the space of small autonomous vehicles to avoid overlap.
White paper: Describe challenges and synergies. This white paper should be a discussion document with others working in the same area to increase collaboration and socialization on the topic. Sharing case studies should also be part of the process of identifying what information already exists.