Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions introduced the AutoMine Interoperable Access Control System (ACS), a new feature for its AutoMine Core underground system for autonomous mining operations. Designed to improve productivity and increase operational flexibility, ACS builds on the proven AutoMine Flexible Safety Zone by enabling non-Sandvik, third-party autonomous equipment to operate seamlessly in AutoMine access-controlled isolated zones.
Third-party equipment designs must conform to the functional safety requirements specified for AutoMine operations, and non-Sandvik equipment can be retrofitted with an AutoMine ACS Onboard Box to provide the needed interface between ACS and the machine’s safety circuit.
In a shared automated zone, each machine can be independently controlled by its own system while operating within the unified AutoMine Interoperable ACS system, Sandvik said. “This leverages optimized control of each OEM’s machine while maintaining a safer working environment.”