"The future belongs to digital coal mines, when the entire technological chain of production and shipment is controlled by artificial intelligence. The idea is for a "robot" to replace a person where there is a risk of a life- and health-threatening situation. Our scientists, in close cooperation with production workers, create fundamentally new mining equipment," said Alexey Yakovlev, Rector of KuzSTU.
The quarry dump trucks being created will be equipped with an eco-friendly engine and differ from others in the reliable operation of the main systems. The project is being implemented jointly by scientists of KuzSTU, KAMAZ PJSC, Bauman Moscow State Technical University and industrial partners.
The developers focus on Russian manufacturers of components. The version of the electrics and hydraulics will change. New research will be related to import substitution. The computer programs used to control the steering system, brakes, engine, electrical and power equipment are written by KuzSTU development specialists.
The current model of the mining dump truck robot is equipped with a remote control system. The next step is the introduction of an artificial intelligence system. The equipment will recognize objects, will be able to independently calculate obstacles and avoid them when driving along the route. The fourth version of the dump truck layout will be with a more powerful computer.
The plans are to start industrial testing of prototypes of unmanned dump trucks at the Kuzbass mine in late 2022 — early 2023.