What's Happening?
Advanced Navigation has demonstrated a significant breakthrough in underground navigation at the Pyhäsalmi Mine in Finland. The company successfully showcased its Hybrid Navigation System, which combines a Laser Velocity Sensor with a Boreas D90 fibre-optic gyroscope Inertial Navigation System. This system achieved consistent sub-0.1% navigation error without relying on fixed infrastructure or GNSS, marking a step towards scalable underground autonomy. The demonstration was part of BHP's Think and Act Differently program, highlighting the system's ability to maintain precision over extended distances in challenging subterranean environments.
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Why It's Important?
This breakthrough in underground navigation technology has the potential to revolutionize mining operations by reducing dependency on infrastructure-heavy solutions. The ability to navigate accurately in environments impervious to GNSS signals can enhance safety and efficiency in mining, enabling autonomous operations in previously inaccessible areas. This advancement could lead to improved fleet management, predictive collision avoidance, and material tracking, offering significant benefits to the mining industry and potentially reducing operational costs.
What's Next?
The Hybrid Navigation System is set for commercial release in late 2025, promising to transform underground navigation practices. As the technology becomes available, mining companies may adopt it to enhance their operations, potentially leading to increased automation and safety in the sector. The system's success could also inspire further innovations in navigation technology, expanding its applications beyond mining to other industries requiring precise positioning in challenging environments.
