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Overview of the U.S. Bureau of Mines Computer-assisted Mining Research Program.

Schnakenberg-GH Jr.; Sammarco-JJ

Proceeds Int'l Symp Mine Mech & Auto Vol II Colorado Sch Mines PP 9-9 to 9-30 II:9-9to9-30

10011385

The U.S. Bureau of Mines is pursuing computerization in mining to provide a means to reduce health and safety risks to workers along with opportunities to increase competitiveness. The Bureau's short- term research is directed to providing computer-assisted, remote supervisory operation of present mining equipment; the long-term goal is the development of progresssively more intelligent mining systems. Current efforts are directed towards computer-assisted operation of a continuous mining machine. A new machine was prepared for sensor-based, computer-controlled operation. The machine is ready for initial underground mine tests under a cooperative agreement at a West Virginia mine complex. The Bureau's program encompasses diverse areas such as research in navigation and guidance technology, machine control systems, tele-remote control, computer systems and architectures, coal-rock interface sensing technology, and expert systems for machine system fault diagnostics and predictive maintenance. This paper presents a brief background and the current status of these research areas. Research progress in other equipment and systems critical to achieving long-term goals, such as roof bolting and continuous haulage, is briefly reviewed.

19910101

OP;

1991

OP 99-92

PRC;

Proceeds Int'l Symp. Mine Mech. & Auto., Vol. II. Colorado Sch. Mines, PP. 9-9 to 9-30

CO; WV;