Abstract
A coal shuttle car equipped with a pulsed laser optical ranging system to provide guidance for an automatic steering system was tested in production coal mining. Test results are presented for the two mines where testing took place, and some operators reactions are included. Automatic steering control keeps the car centered in an entry, and automatic turns are made at intersections as signaled by the operator. All other controls, tram, conveyor, brake, etc., remain manual and require operator control. Complete override of steering while in the automatic mode is retained by the operator, who may grab the steering wheel at any time and turn in opposition to the automatic signal by applying about 10 foot-pounds of torque.
