MechChem Africa April 2019

⎪ Automation, process control and instrumentation and CAE ⎪

Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology announced it will develop an interoperable platform –AutoMine Access API – for its world-leading automation system for underground loaders and trucks, fostering new technology in the mining industry. Sandvik’s AutoMine backs mixed fleet operations

“ A s a world leader in under- ground automation, we have a responsibility to make this game-changing technology easier to implement for the mining industry,” says Patrick Murphy, president: rock drills & technologies, Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology. “While we feel that customers will achieve the highest levels of performance when purchasing Sandvik equipment, we recognise the need to unlock automation’s full potential for all equipment regardless of manufacturer. Customers with mixed fleets will have the full power of AutoMine behind them as well.” How it works To enable interoperability, Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology will introduce the AutoMine Access API (Application Programming Interface), which will provide standard, pre-defined interfaces for connect- ing third party loaders and trucks for control by Sandvik’s AutoMine system. An API is a set of functions and procedures that allows the creation of applications that access the features or data of an operating system, ap- plication, or other service. Setting the industry standard In addition to APIs, to be compatible with AutoMine, third party equipment designs must conform to the functional safety re- quirements specified for AutoMine. This API is another step in Sandvik’s journey to drive a

Sandvik’s AutoMine Access API will provide standard, pre-defined interfaces for connecting third party loaders and trucks for control by Sandvik’s AutoMine system.

digital ecosystemthatmakesmining smarter, safer and more efficient. SandvikreleaseditsInteroperabilityPolicy inApril 2018, outlining theprinciplesbywhich Sandvik systems can communicate within a digital ecosystem including data accessibil- ity, fleet data compatibility, data rights and control, and data privacy. TheadditionofAutoMineforunderground loaders and trucks to this policy is the next step in Sandvik’s continued journey to set

the industry standard for mine automation and digitalisation. “Sandvik has been leading the market in automation for decades, with more than 400 pieces of equipment using AutoMine around theworldwithout an injury,” saysMurphy. “As more customers embark on their digital jour- neys, interoperability will be a requirement. We are proud to leverage our experience to drive digitalisation further in the mining industry.” q

April 2019 • MechChem Africa ¦ 27