Investigation of factors affecting functionality and usability of teleoperated mobile equipment in underground mines

移动地下采矿设备的远程操作和自动化可以在困难和危险的条件下进行采矿，延长作业时间，限制设备滥用，降低维护成本，减少人力，最终降低生产成本。只做了有限的研究来调查设备有效性的不同方面，这一事实可能是一些失败的自动化尝试背后的原因之一。在这种情况下，这项研究的主要长期目标是开发能够对影响遥控设备和过程的功能和可用性的因素进行精确的定量和定性评估的模型。这些主要与可靠性、可维护性、可用性、利用率、生产率和有效性有关。该方法是基于对井下采矿环境独特条件下的遥操作设备和过程操作的整体观点，从比以往研究更广泛的角度来看待。将对上述因素进行识别、分类并调查其危害性。研究将首先在单个设备(例如铲运机)级别进行，然后在工艺(装载、运输、钻井)级别进行。随后，将有可能开发一个(或多个)模拟模型，并对其进行测试和验证。这将能够对遥控设备/系统在特定业务环境中的功能和可用性进行详细分析、敏感性研究和评估。将制定的模型(S)和指导方针将通过更好地预测、预防和/或缓解遥操作项目的潜在风险，帮助矿山运营商、设备制造商和其他各方做出决策并找到最佳解决方案。这将增加加拿大金属矿的竞争力。拟议的工作还将为下一次旨在调查控制层级更高级别的功能和可用性的工作铺平道路，即以遥控/遥控设备为基础的整个矿井作业，并最终在企业一级进行。这些项目还将包括对成本效益方面的调查。

Teleoperation and automation of mobile underground mining equipment has a potential to enable ore extraction in difficult and hazardous conditions, extend operation time, limit equipment abuse, drive maintenance cost down, reduce man-labour and, eventually, cut production cost. The fact that only a limited amount of research has been done to investigate different aspects of equipment effectiveness may be one of the reasons behind some failed automation attempts. In this context, the main long term objective of this research is to develop models enabling precise quantitative and qualitative assessment of the factors affecting functionality and usability of teleoperated equipment and processes. These are related mainly to reliability, maintainability, availability, utilization, productivity and effectiveness. The approach is based on a holistic view of teleoperated equipment and process operation under the unique conditions of underground mining environment seen from a broader perspective than in previous research. The above mentioned factors will be identified, classified and their criticality will be investigated. The studies will be done first at the individual piece of equipment (for example LHD) level and then at the process (loading, haulage, drilling) level. Subsequently, it will become possible to develop a simulation model (or models), test and validate it. This will enable a detailed analysis, sensitivity studies and assessment of teleoperated equipment/system functionality and usability in a given operational environment. The model(s) and guidelines to be developed will assist mine operators, equipment manufacturers and other parties in their decision making and finding optimal solutions through better anticipation, prevention and/or mitigation of potential risks to the teleoperation projects. This will increase a competitiveness of Canadian metal mines. The proposed work will also pave the way for next ones aimed at the investigation of functionality and usability at higher levels of the control hierarchy, i.e. whole mine operations based on the teleoperated /telerobotized equipment and, ultimately, at the enterprise level. These projects will also include an investigation of cost effectiveness aspects.