What's Happening?
Advanced Navigation has introduced Chimera Land, a 3D Laser Velocity Sensor designed to enhance vehicle positioning in GPS-denied underground mining environments. This technology addresses the challenges faced in underground operations where traditional
GPS systems fail. Chimera Land operates in conjunction with Advanced Navigation's Inertial Navigation System (INS), using lasers to measure a vehicle's ground-relative 3D velocity. This integration reduces positional drift, a common issue in standalone INS solutions. The system is particularly beneficial in high-dust, zero-light environments, eliminating the need for fixed external positioning infrastructure. It supports Autonomous Haulage Systems by enabling continuous tramming without pre-surveyed beacons and provides sub-decimeter velocity accuracy for automated drill rig alignment. The system was successfully demonstrated in Europe's deepest underground mine, achieving high precision without relying on fixed infrastructure.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of Chimera Land is significant for the mining industry, particularly in enhancing operational efficiency and safety in underground environments. By eliminating the need for fixed infrastructure, the system reduces operational costs and time associated with installing and maintaining such systems. This advancement supports the growing trend towards automation in mining, allowing for more efficient fleet management and asset tracking. The ability to maintain high-confidence positioning in challenging conditions ensures continuous operation, which is crucial for profitability. Additionally, the system's predictive collision avoidance capabilities enhance safety, protecting both human operators and equipment.
