Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/548151
15 AGGREGATES MANAGER August 2015 Luck Stone and Jaybridge Robotics are developing an aftermarket technology solution that could soon take the driver out of the haul truck. M ore than one equipment manufacturer has been working on autonomous trucks for years. Typi- cally, these large trucks operate as part of a fleet management and optimization program at large mines. While intriguing, the technology has not yet been scaled for use in aggregates applications. Now, however, Luck Stone and Jay- bridge Robotics are collaborating on a system that fits the unique needs of this market. Within 12 to 18 months, they expect to have the prototype unit of a lead-driver concept in place. This would allow a fleet of autonomous haul trucks to follow a single operator-driven truck throughout the load-haul-dump-return route. Eventually, they expect to see the driver out of the truck all together. Exploring options Luck Stone has been on a roll with in- novations over the last several years, including pioneering a remote control wheel loader that enhances safe opera- tions at a quarry face and gives it access to a greater amount of reserves. "As a business, we're trying to make strides around the idea of being really intentional about innovation and creativ- ity," says Travis Chewning, P.E., Luck Stone's senior director of engineering and operational support. In fact, the company created an innovation process to develop ideas. "We have a process, forum, and resources available so that when folks in the organization have an idea, there is a place for them to go," he adds. When Luck Stone was able to put a re- mote control loader into its first operation, Chewning says the company began to think about other opportunities. "We were amazed at how quickly we were able to move and the success of that project," he explains. "It got us asking the question, if we could remotely control a 988 loader, could we automate the loader? Could we take the next step? We didn't have the ability to take that anywhere, but we Under Development: Autonomous Trucks Cell antenna: The autonomous system uses a cellular signal to network the system together. This prevents the need for wifi installation throughout a quarry. The cell allows the lead truck to send its route to other trucks, and it allows the autonomous trucks to be managed by the lead driver, loader operator, and crusher operator, as needed. GPS antenna: A GPS signal tracks the location of each unit. The system uses a TerraStar satellite connection so no base stations need to be installed. The typical accuracy is +/- 10 centimeters. Electronics: System electronics primarily consist of a small computer and an inertial system to improve navigational accuracy. On saleable units, this box is expected to be much smaller than the one shown on the prototype. The system is comprised of mostly off-the- shelf components, while the software is a proprietary development by Jaybridge Robotics. Lidar: High-angle (top) and low-angle (bottom) lidar units scan for obstacles from various angles to provide an accurate view of the road, regardless of curves and slopes. They have a range of approximately 260 feet. Video camera: Video images from the front of the vehicle allow any human supervisory personnel to view operations from a remote location.