The fundamental need in ‘Off-road industrial applications’, e.g., mining, tunnelling, construction sites etc. are – safety, reliability, operational / economic viability, and sustainability. Available ‘automation and autonomous technologies’ has numerous benefits in off-road industrial applications. In the last 15 to 20 years ‘the automation and autonomous technologies’ has gained popularity in off-road industrial applications and addresses many of its above-mentioned fundamental needs. Although with all its operational and long-term economic benefits, still spread of automation and autonomous technologies are limited to few geographies and certain applications only. In this paper, we are presenting ‘the autonomous system cycle approach in off-road industrial applications’, and its potential benefits. We will also briefly review the available autonomous technologies, its status, and applications e.g., in mineral exploration, rock breaking, material haulage, rock processing etc. Through ‘the autonomous system cycle approach’, goal of this paper is to present a step-by-step guideline for integration and implementation of the new technologies in off-road industries.
As we know, the fundamental needs of customers in any industry (including off-road industry) remains the same but the way we address those needs in different times, in different applications, at different geographical locations – differs and changes. The available technology level, it's accessibility and adaptability vary a lot from one region to another and from one country to another.
The scope of this paper is limited to the activities and machines used in ‘off-road industrial applications. The products, machines used in on-road, agricultural applications and related activities are excluded from the scope of the paper.
Defining and differentiating between applications –
• On-road industrial applications: Referring to applications, activities primarily used for moving or transporting passengers and goods using commercial vehicles running on roads e.g., road trucks, buses, passenger cars and vehicles etc.
• Off-road industrial applications: Referring to applications, activities primarily carried out in mining, tunnelling, quarries, and construction sites etc. using heavy earth moving machines.
