For several months, Meglab’s Research and Development (R&D) team has been working on the manufacturing of a remote operation control system.
The challenge was to build on one of our existing products, the MicroguideTM, which already supports short distance remote operation, and adapt it to allow remote operation over a longer distance or from the surface.
“Our workshop tests were conclusive and our real-world testing of the prototype in an underground mining operation at the Beaufor mine confirmed that the product was ready for production.”
– Roger Ouellet, R&D Manager at Meglab
What sets Meglab’s technology apart is the ability to customize the system according to your preferences, or according to the type of vehicle used.
“We tested the prototype on a Caterpillar branded LHD owned by the mine. However, the MicroGuideTM Pro Surface Edition can be installed on any brand of vehicle. Also of interest is the wide range of joystick options available to control the machine.”
– Roger Ouellet, R&D manager at Meglab
The pandemic is accelerating the adoption of remote operation by encouraging a reduction in the number of workers on mining sites. The MicroGuideTM Pro Surface Edition offers the ability to operate from anywhere as long as broadband connectivity is available.
“We have already started discussions with companies that want to expand their use of remote operations. This certainly increases the efficiency of operations, but the greatest area of impact we are seeing is on the safety of workers. Risks are reduced when workers can operate from the surface, or even simply from a greater distance underground.”
– Kim Valade, general manager at Meglab
The MicroGuideTM Pro Surface Edition has several safety features, including a barrier system that shuts off the vehicle engine when a potential hazard is detected.
The system works on existing telecommunication networks installed in the mines, provided they are powerful enough.
“Our specialists can audit and analyze existing telecommunication networks. They can also make recommendations and/or install new infrastructures to ensure that customers can fully benefit from the MicroGuideTM Pro Surface Edition’s many features.”
– Kim Valade, general manager at Meglab
Today, mining companies are rapidly developing and adapting their processes to provide added value such as real-time decision making, increased travelling efficiency and greater worker safety. The implementation of remote operation with the MicroGuideTM Pro Surface Edition contributes to the successful achievement of these objectives.
Meglab will integrate cutting-edge Private LTE/5G network solutions into the Canadian mining sector in partnership with Bell, setting a new standard for operational efficiency and technological advancement.
Always looking for new ways to contribute to the sustainable development of the mining industry, we are launching a web platform to give a second life to the equipment we have in inventory.
All's well that ends well for the 2 mining workers trapped underground in the Dominican Republic thanks to the sending of specialized equipment from two companies in the region.
