A coal mining operation faced significant operational challenges due to a harsh working environment characterized by extreme heat and cold, pervasive dust, and a labor shortage characterized by an aging workforce and recruitment difficulties. In 2023, the client sought our tele+AI solutions to enhance safety, improve efficiency, and address their workforce challenges.
Challenges
The coal mining area encountered several critical issues prior to implementing our solutions:
- Harsh Environmental Conditions: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, combined with a dusty environment, made it difficult for operators to work efficiently and safely.
- Labor Shortage: The mine faced a shortage of labor due to an aging workforce and significant recruitment challenges, affecting productivity and operational continuity.
- Safety and Efficiency: Ensuring safety in a hazardous environment and maintaining high operational efficiency were constant challenges.
Solution
Our tele+AI solutions were deployed in two phases to address these challenges effectively.
First Purchase in 2023:
- Equipment: Hitachi ZX-890 (Backhoe Excavator).
- Network: 5G.
- AI Functions: Bucket Depth Indicator, Bucket Teeth Detection, Working-Hour Record, Auto-Loading, Pedestrian Detection, Anti-Collision Warning, Remote Flameout/Shutdown. These advanced features enabled precise and efficient operation, significantly enhancing safety and productivity.
Second Purchase in 2023:
- Equipment: Lovol FL976H (Wheel Loader).
- Network: 5G. The integration of the wheel loader with the 5G network further expanded the scope of remote operations, improving overall site efficiency.
Implementation
The implementation process involved the following steps:
- Phase One: Installation of the Hitachi ZX-890 Backhoe Excavator with advanced AI functions. The bucket teeth detection feature was crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and safety in harsh conditions.
- Phase Two: Integration of the Lovol FL976H Wheel Loader, leveraging the established 5G network to ensure seamless remote operation and enhanced functionality.
- Customization and Training: Our team provided extensive customization to meet the specific needs of the mining environment and conducted thorough training sessions for operators to ensure smooth adoption of the new technology.
Results
The deployment of our tele+AI solutions led to remarkable improvements in the mining operation:
- Enhanced Precision and Efficiency: The bucket teeth monitoring feature, operating flawlessly under all conditions including day, night, strong winds, and heavy dust, ensured zero errors in detection, significantly boosting operational accuracy and productivity.
- Improved Safety: Features such as pedestrian detection, anti-collision warning, and remote flameout/shutdown greatly enhanced the safety of operations, protecting both operators and equipment.
- Operational Continuity: The working-hour record function helped maintain consistent operational tracking, allowing for better workforce management and reduced downtime.
- Reduced Labor Pressure: The advanced remote operation capabilities reduced the physical burden on the aging workforce and mitigated the recruitment challenges, making the mining site more attractive to potential new hires.
Overall, our tele+AI solutions provided the coal mining operation with significant advancements in efficiency, safety, and workforce management, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrating cutting-edge technology in challenging industrial environments.
