
The Challenge
For autonomous fleets to flourish in the mining industry reliable connectivity is key. Underground mining environments and their constantly shifting tunnel networks present specific challenges for delivering the communication signals across blind production areas that autonomous vehicles require. The narrow drifts and galleries require special attention and foresight not necessary in open-air outdoor sites.
There are also other factors at play, as leaders still need to ensure autonomous mining solutions maintain operational efficiency, product quality, and safety objectives. In order to obtain real time visibility to production systems and assets in an operational environment, networking technologies must provide that rich stream of data. In this view, network connectivity is the linchpin to the progress of the autonomous worksite. The extent that autonomous mining can be successful depends on how the supporting network is built and deployed.
The right network architecture will support multiple autonomous operation services as a foundation to securely connect and digitize mining production environments. To achieve improved business through autonomous mining solutions, outcomes leaders in the mining industry need a secure, robust communications infrastructure.