Maptek business development manager John Godfrey explains why the global technology provider is developing VisionV2X to target proximity detection first, before extending into collision avoidance.
When releasing the underground safety system VisionV2X in 2023, Maptek intentionally made proximity detection for vehicles and pedestrians the first goal before addressing the higher level collision avoidance target.
There were two reasons behind the strategy, according to Maptek business development manager John Godfrey.
“Our investigations and early trials found that mining companies tended to compound requests for underground fleet management, collision avoidance and equipment status tracking,” Godfrey said.
“While these are all commendable safety and operational goals, our experience told us that meeting the various objectives for different teams and departments can lead to an overly complex feasibility stage and delayed implementation.”
With VisionV2X, Maptek aimed to enhance safety and optimise operational efficiency without introducing the competing priorities and extra layers involved in the implementation of higher-level safety systems.
“It made sense for Maptek to prove our proximity detection system before progressing to the higher safety goal of collision avoidance where vehicle stoppages and false alarms can interrupt production,” Godfrey said.
“We’ve found VisionV2X incredibly useful as a platform to start conversations with customers and gather wider industry intelligence around daily safety challenges and how we can solve those in a way that integrates with other business goals.”
One year on, this approach has been vindicated, with VisionV2X racking up more than two million operating vehicle hours without incident at the initial implementation in one of the world’s largest underground mines.
At the heart of VisionV2X is an ergonomic touchscreen interface installed in heavy vehicle cabs that operators can rely on for visible and audible feedback around the proximity of at-risk personnel and vehicles. The system continuously runs automated checks in the background to ensure VisionV2X is operating correctly.
Maptek adapted vehicle-to-everything situational awareness technology proven in the automotive market, and combined it with the latest dynamic meshing Wi-Fi communications technology tailored for conditions underground.
Maptek researched multiple technology protocols, according to Godfrey, before settling on the solution that provides reliable ranging and communications across all levels of activity, including non-line-of-sight and around corners.
“Much of the current technology deployed in above ground systems was unable to operate reliably underground,” Godfrey said. “Signal accuracy was impacted by absorption, reflection or delay in transmission, meaning that operations could not rely on the currency of data to avoid potential safety incidents.”
Collaboration with human experience specialists at the University of Southern Queensland resulted in a simple, user-friendly touchscreen interface that is designed to help rather than hinder cab operators.
“Golden rules for any safety system are that it is reliable, easy to install and straightforward to use,” Godfrey said. “VisionV2X provides vehicle operators with visual and audible alerts when vehicles and pedestrians enter warning zones, allowing them to take action in time to avoid collisions.”
Another benefit of the Maptek system is it can be installed on existing and mixed manufacturer fleets. Detailed proximity data is logged and sent to a central server for analysis and reporting, enabling operations to maintain a safe working environment without impacting operational efficiency.
Achieving 100 per cent accuracy in detecting the proximity of vehicles and pedestrians at significant distances allows Maptek to shift emphasis towards proactive prevention rather than reactive crisis response measures.
Established in 2006, EMESRT (Earth Moving Equipment Safety Round Table) is a global initiative, engaging with key mining industry original equipment manufacturers to advance the design of equipment to improve safe operability and maintainability beyond standards. It provides industry-level understanding of complex health and safety problems.
EMERST’s collision avoidance level definitions are as follows:
- Level 7 (operator awareness) – technology to alert
- Level 8 (advisory controls) – technology to alert and advise
- Level 9 (intervention controls) – technology to intervene
The Maptek approach to gradually developing technology to meet the highest EMESRT safety controls demonstrates a long-term vision for underground mine safety, according to Godfrey.
“If a highly effective Level 7 operator awareness system is in operation, Levels 8 and 9 should be a last resort and rarely required,” Godfrey said. “Active engagement with industry experts in round table forums and leveraging operational test mines, ensures that Maptek safety solutions are reliable, cost-effective, and ready for long-term deployment.”
Maptek’s commitment to partnering with mining companies to comprehend and assess safety concerns demonstrates a dedication to aligning technology with industry needs. This agile, collaborative approach leads to solutions tailored to real-world challenges.
Contact Maptek to learn more about the VisionV2X.
