The Challenge
Addressing Gaps in Dragline Safety.
Mining draglines are essential for large-scale excavation, but they present
significant safety risks
due to limited operator visibility and blind spots. Prior to 2022, no system on
the market met
the required functionally safe standards for dragline operation. This gap in
safety systems created a dangerous
environment for operators and workers alike, with limited control over the slew
mechanism and inadequate protection
from potential hazards in the dragline’s extensive operating area.
Challenges:
-
Limited Operator visibility (180 vs Required
360).
-
False positive prone systems with high
maintenance.
-
Rugged Environmental Conditions; harsh, with dust,
vibrations, and extreme temperatures.
-
Scalable Data Processing needs as the system must
handle vast amounts of data from multiple sensors.
-
Remove blind Spots in the draglines operating
footprint.
-
Human error and reliance on administrative
safety controls.
-
Provide expansion ability to detect the presence of
many
object types.
-
Millisecond response on environmentally capable
equipment.
The Solution
Bigmate’s Proximity Awareness System.
Bigmate's innovative Dragline Proximity Awareness System (PAS) was
designed to address these challenges by
offering 360-degree environmental awareness and automating safety
controls. The system integrates two distinct
sensing technologies—LiDAR and Optical sensors—powered by AI to monitor
all activity within a 50-meter radius of the dragline.
Key Features of the PAS:
-
24x7 Automated Operation.
-
Dual-Sensor Technology.
-
Graduated Response Control.
-
Does not rely on outbound network.
-
Secure 100% On-Site Processing.
-
Direct Operator Feedback (HUD).
-
360° detection coverage.
-
Does not rely on wearable based detection.
Overcoming
Implementation Challenges
Developing and implementing the Dragline Proximity Detection
System involved overcoming significant design and
technical challenges, particularly the need for sensors that
could cover a large area around the dragline while
enduring the harsh mining environment.
The Engineering
Hurdles:
-
Large Coverage Area: The system had
to cover the full operational area of the
dragline, ensuring no blind spots remained.
-
Rugged Environmental Conditions: The
mining environment is harsh, with dust,
vibrations, and extreme temperatures,
requiring robust and reliable sensors.
-
Data Processing Needs: The system
needed to handle vast amounts of data from
multiple sensors while maintaining high
availability and fast processing speeds.
