Atlas Copco’s Powered by Automation contributes to the sustainable productivity and profitability of mines, plant and quarries by enhancing the performance of machines, equipment and systems.

Operational stability, productivity and profitability are fundamental to the sustainable future of a mine, plant or quarry and, with customers always first in mind, Atlas Copco’s principal goal is to develop sustainable solutions that will contribute to these fundamentals through more efficient and cost effective operations.

Every product and system is designed and engineered by Atlas Copco Mining and Rock Excavation Technique with the objective of maximising uptime, production and safety. Cutting-edge automation technology incorporated into machinery, equipment and software optimises the lifecycle, reliability, availability, capability and performance of machines, drives down operating expenses, upskills operators, and improves safety and productivity to ultimately drive up profitability that is paramount to sustainability.

Powered by Automation is a holistic concept that encompasses but goes far beyond fully autonomous products by embracing different levels of automation based on the task at hand as well as on the current level of automation in for example, a mine or tunneling operation.

There are four levels to Powered by Automation - monitoring, function, calculated optimisation and autonomy. Automation technology spans Atlas Copco’s full range of mining equipment, systems, operations and services and typical automation systems include AutoDrill 2, Rig Remote Access (RRA), Rig Control Systems (RCS) and BenchREMOTE.

The AutoDrill 2 automated drill system is specially developed to enhance the entire drilling process and production stream; it is a game changing solution for Pit Viper automation and blasthole drilling. Fitted with AutoDrill 2, Pit Vipers function 22% faster than a manual human-operated rig.

Equipped with the very latest modern technology, the AutoDrill 2 delivers better production efficiency, repeat-ability, consistency and stability, basically consistent overall improved drill hole quality. Additionally, excellent blast fragmentation improves load- and crush-ability which contributes to huge savings.

Rig Remote Access sends drill patterns, hole angles and depths to the rig with GPS coordinates enabling Atlas Copco’s SmartROC Down-The-Hole and Top Hammer drill rigs to drill holes autonomously and accurately in the right place at the right depth and at the right angle.

It also allows operators to reach the desired hole depth while drill tubes are added automatically. The planning office is able to communicate with the rig via a Wi-Fi network or data stick and drill patterns, hole angles and depths are sent to the rig with GPS coordinates. The Hole Navigation System enables the rig to locate the exact coordinates and drill precisely to plan and all the information is reported to the office.

Rig Control System is a built-in auto-rod handling control system that limits extreme usage and safeguards the rig against operator abuse, reduces wear both on the rig as well as on consumables, extends rig lifespan and improves uptime and availability.

With the BenchREMOTE function the operator can conveniently monitor progress from the comfort of a FOPS/ROPS approved cabin situated 100m away. Remote control of machinery (up to six Simba rigs) from 100m line-of-site is possible from the safety of mobile control room. Blue tooth communication links ensure safe, reliable remote links.

An Operator Unit gives the operator full control over the machine while the Machine Unit (MU) receives control signals from the operator and activates correct machine function. Mine truck automation comprises wall avoidance available for both manual and tele remote operation and auto tram and auto dump for autonomous production cycle.

Automation technology is easy to install and use and can be applied safely and cost effectively to enhance a wide range of operations such as haulages, long hole production drilling, materials handling, communication networks and data capturing on production.

Atlas Copco’s Powered by Automation concept is not a concept for the future, it is available here and now. A number of gold, manganese, platinum and diamond mines across South Africa have implemented Atlas Copco’s automation technology with some adopting all four levels of automation on a range of Atlas Copco machines.

The combination all four levels are assisting the mines in reaching the full operating potential of their Atlas Copco equipment. Reduced operational costs and improved productivity enable plants to operate at maximum capacity, adding to the bottom line.

All automation technology hardware and software is designed, maintained and supported by Atlas Copco. A dedicated automation Atlas Copco team offers back-up and training on all products throughout the country. The company is constantly updating technology and developing technological advancements in conjunction with customers’ needs to help optimise the full potential of their equipment and subsequently of their overall operations for sustainable productivity.