ASI’S SCYTHE ACQUISITION AMPLIFIES AUTONOMOUS OFF-ROAD VEHICLE LEADERSHIP

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Tag: mining automation

ASI Mining Successfully Completes First AHS Test at Ferrexpo Yeristovo Mine in Ukraine With Plans to Convert Additional Trucks

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ASI Mining, a subsidiary of Autonomous Solutions, Inc. (ASI), has started work on a project in Ukraine to retrofit and automate a fleet of 15 haul trucks at the Ferrexpo Yeristovo Mine (FYM).

“This project is one of the first major autonomous haulage deployments in Eastern Europe. It represents a major milestone for the accessibility of automation at sites across the world,” said Patrick Hald, General Manager, ASI Mining. “Autonomous mining is no longer a luxury available only to the largest mines.”

FYM and ASI Mining successfully completed an initial test on October 21, 2019 by converting, and autonomously operating, a 793D haul truck. Ferrexpo plans to expand automation to a total of 15 trucks within the next two project phases, subject to market conditions and cash flows.

Alexander Tubaltsev, Chief Miner at Ferrexpo Yeristovo Mining, said “We selected ASI Mining because it is one of the world’s leading providers of robotics and automation and has already completed a significant number of successful deployments with major corporations in the mining and automotive industries. Ferrexpo is very proud to be the first to lead this initiative, not only in Ukraine, but also as the first open pit mine in Europe to do so.”

FYM anticipates the autonomous mining fleet will deliver significant safety benefits to employees, particularly by eliminating fatigue-induced accidents. The improved safety benefits will also be complemented by expected improvements in productivity and better control over the quality of the company’s ore mix.

ASI’s Mobius® Haulage A.I. will be a key component in the implementation and operation of the project. Mobius leverages advanced multi-vehicle command and control software to set up and manage a coordinated system of haul trucks. The Mobius Haulage Platform manages autonomous traffic, coordinates manned or unmanned vehicles and regulates the haul cycle in the most efficient way possible.

By employing Mobius software at the Yeristovo mine, Ferrexpo anticipates improvements in utilization, along with increased safety and productivity gains.

About ASI Mining

ASI Mining is partially owned by Epiroc, which acquired 34% of the company in 2018. ASI Mining is recognized for its products and solutions in robotics and autonomous vehicle technology including autonomous haulage, semi-autonomous blasting, drilling, dozing, loading and other applications. In addition to providing solutions for some of the world’s largest mining corporations, ASI Mining is also an automation partner for several global mining vehicle manufacturers. Learn more at www.asirobots.com/mining.

About Ferrexpo

Ferrexpo is a Swiss headquartered iron ore company with assets in Ukraine. It has been mining, processing and selling high quality iron ore pellets to the global steel industry for 40 years. Ferrexpo’s resource base is one of the largest iron ore deposits in the world. In 2018, the Group produced 10.6 million tonnes of pellets, a 2% increase compared to 2017, ranking it as the 3rd largest exporter of pellets to the global steel industry with a market share of approximately 8.5%. Ferrexpo has a diversified customer base supplying steel mills in Austria, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Turkey and Vietnam. Ferrexpo has a premium listing on the main market of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker FXPO. For further information, please visit www.ferrexpo.com.

ASI Mining Secures Investment from Epiroc to Accelerate the Roll Out of its Autonomous Mining Solutions

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October 30, 2018 – ASI Mining, an Autonomous Solutions, Inc. company, has secured an investment from Epiroc to scale ASI Mining’s autonomous mining platform and ensure access to Epiroc’s world-wide service and support channels.

“ASI Mining is now able to leverage Epiroc’s extensive mining automation experience and global service and support network,” said Mel Torrie, CEO of ASI. “This puts us in a position to rapidly scale in delivering mine automation systems that retrofit or integrate with any vehicle make or model.”

Epiroc’s investment in, and support of, ASI Mining reflects a growing, collaborative approach to addressing key industry concerns such as labor shortages, production levels and safety. The support of Epiroc will help ASI Mining provide its leading autonomous mining technology to its customers on a larger scale.

“The investment in ASI Mining is part of our strategy to expand in automation and interoperability in the mining segment,” said Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s Senior Executive Vice President Mining and Infrastructure. “This is the future in mining, and the great team at ASI Mining has developed state-of-the-art solutions that will enhance Epiroc’s delivery of productivity and safety improvements to customers worldwide.”

About ASI Mining

ASI Mining is recognized for its products and solutions in robotics and autonomous vehicle technology with product offerings that cover a broad spectrum of machines and applications including autonomous haulage, semi-autonomous blasting, drilling, dozing, loading and others. In addition to providing solutions for some of the world’s largest mining corporations, ASI Mining is also an automation partner for several global mining vehicle manufacturers. Learn more at www.asirobots.com/mining.

About Epiroc

Epiroc is a leading productivity partner for the mining, infrastructure and natural resources industries. With cutting-edge technology, Epiroc develops and produces innovative drill rigs, rock excavation and construction equipment, and provides world-class service and consumables. The company is based in Stockholm, Sweden, had revenue of SEK 31.4 billion in 2017, and has more than 13,000 passionate people supporting and collaborating with customers in more than 150 countries. Learn more at www.epirocgroup.com.

Read press releases from both Epiroc and U.S.-based Epiroc Drilling Solutions.

 

Autonomous Solutions, Inc. (ASI) Begins Work with Barrick Gold on First Major Autonomous Haulage Project in the United States

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JUNE 19, 2018 – Autonomous Solutions, Inc. (ASI): ASI Mining, has begun work on a project with Barrick Gold Corporation to retrofit and automate a fleet of haul trucks at the company’s Arturo Joint Venture operation in Nevada.

“This represents the first major autonomous deployment within the continental United States and signals a larger movement to adopt automation across the mining industry,” said Drew Larsen, Director of Business Development for ASI Mining.

During the initial phase of the project ASI will retrofit five Komatsu 930-E Ultra Class haul trucks to autonomous operation at the Arturo mine, located on property adjacent to Barrick’s Goldstrike operations. This phase will consist primarily of waste haulage, prior to moving into production. Subsequent phases will follow with potential expansion to additional trucks.

“Not only is this agreement with Barrick significant in the ongoing growth of ASI Mining,” said Larsen. “It enables Barrick to embark on its autonomous surface mining strategy in a pragmatic and collaborative manner with a technology partner such as ASI.”

ASI’s Mobius Haulage A.I. will be a key component in the implementation and operation of the project. Mobius leverages advanced multi-vehicle command and control software to set up and manage a coordinated system of haul trucks. The Mobius Haulage Platform manages autonomous traffic, coordinates manned or unmanned vehicles and regulates the haul cycle in the most efficient way possible.

By employing the Mobius platform at the Arturo mine, Barrick anticipates enhancements across a range of critical performance measurements.

“The goal is to use advances in automation technology to help Barrick prove and deliver improvements in safety, efficiency and production,” said Matt Majors, Superintendent of Mining Operations and project manager for autonomous haulage.

“Barrick chose ASI as a partner for their ability to provide an agnostic product – agnostic to equipment manufacturer and to mine layout and practices. This offers us greater flexibility and cost savings. Using the ASI kits, we are able to retrofit our existing fleet of haul trucks as well as additional multi-manufacturer equipment which will help us to realize additional savings should we decide to scale the technology in the future,” said Majors.

About Autonomous Solutions, Inc.

Autonomous Solutions, Inc. is a world leader in vehicle automation. ASI’s Mobius platform provides an OEM-agnostic, interoperable command and control software solution for autonomous vehicles. Mobius enables mine operations to integrate a variety of mining based vehicles under a comprehensive platform. ASI’s robotic hardware and software systems allow users to safely manage their entire fleet of vehicles autonomously. A world leader in vendor-independent vehicle automation systems, we serve clients in the mining, agriculture, automotive, government, and manufacturing industries with remote control, teleoperation, and fully automated solutions, all from our headquarters and 100-acre proving ground in northern Utah.

ASI’s vehicle automation products can be found in companies and government agencies throughout the world, including Anglo American, Rio Tinto, Ford Motor Company, Case New Holland, Luke Air Force Base, General Dynamics, Sharp Electronics, and others.

About Barrick Gold Corporation

Barrick’s vision is the generation of wealth through responsible mining—wealth for our owners, our people, and the countries and communities with which we partner. Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Barrick has 11,000 employees, with mining operations and projects in 10 countries.

Autonomous Solutions, Inc. Works with Enaex to Expand its Mobius for Mining Platform to include Blasting Functionality

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DECEMBER 12, 2017 – Autonomous Solutions, Inc. (ASI): ASI Mining, has collaborated with Enaex (subsidiary of the Sigdo Koppers Group) to develop semi-autonomous blasting functionality with ASI’s autonomous command and control software, MOBIUS.

“Mobius continues to expand as an enabler of autonomous applications in mining,” said Drew Larsen, Director of Business Development for ASI Mining.“It’s expanding its role as an integration software platform for autonomous mobile equipment, including haul trucks, dozers, drills, etc., enabling them to work together within an autonomous mining environment. We are excited to add blasting equipment to that growing list with the involvement of Enaex.”

ASI’s Mobius for Blasting application provides capability for tele-op and autonomous navigation of blast vehicles, including mobile manufacturing unit and stemming vehicles. In addition, Mobius has the potential to coordinate drill and blasting, resulting in dynamically tailored blast processes based on actual “As-Drilled” hole data, creating higher efficiency and increased fragmentation.

Steps were taken to ensure the autonomous blasting solutions meet all required safety, operational and availability standards, given the high risk of danger for both workers and equipment.


Mobius interface displaying a path for a stemming truck

“These projects were specially created to further enhance the mining operation and its resources by taking care of our greater value, which are people,” said Juan Andrés Errázuriz, CEO of the Enaex Group.

Enaex announced the joint robotic effort at a recent event highlighting Mine-iTruck, a “mobile manufacturing unit,” using teleoperation and autonomous features that operate the vehicle autonomously inside an open pit mine. This development is part of an ecosystem of teleoperation and autonomous units that will allow Enaex to improve workers’ safety by using technology to perform tasks on risky mine environments from a safe location.

About Autonomous Solutions, Inc.

Autonomous Solutions, Inc. is a world leader in vehicle automation. ASI’s Mobius platform provides an OEM-agnostic, interoperable command and control software solution for autonomous vehicles. Mobius enables mine operations to integrate a variety of mining based vehicles under a comprehensive platform. ASI’s robotic hardware and software systems allow users to safely manage their entire fleet of vehicles autonomously. A world leader in vendor-independent vehicle automation systems, we serve clients in the mining, agriculture, automotive, government, and manufacturing industries with remote control, teleoperation, and fully automated solutions, all from our headquarters and 100-acre proving ground in northern Utah.

ASI’s vehicle automation products can be found in companies and government agencies throughout the world, including Anglo American, Rio Tinto, Ford Motor Company, Case New Holland, Luke Air Force Base, General Dynamics, Sharp Electronics, and others.

Photo courtesy of Enaex

About Enaex

Enaex, a subsidiary of the Sigdo Koppers Group, has over 96 years of experience in the explosives market. It is the third largest producer of ammonium nitrate in the world, the leader in blasting services in Chile and Latin America and the first company in the world that is actively developing a complete robotized solution for blasting. Enaex’s mission is to become the most prestigious company in its industry and deliver first class blasting solutions in the most important mining regions of the world.

Autonomous Solutions, Inc and Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport News Co. Announce Collaboration towards Production of Autonomous Ready Haul Trucks

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OCTOBER 31, 2017 – Autonomous Solutions, Inc. (ASI) and Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport News Co. (Liebherr) are pleased to announce that Liebherr’s new autonomous ready haul trucks will be compatible with ASI’s autonomous command and control platform; MOBIUS. Liebherr’s vision of an autonomous haul truck includes an open interface that enables the truck to integrate to ASI’s Mobius platform. Liebherr’s autonomous vehicles can be controlled under an OEM agnostic command system for autonomous vehicles, providing maximum flexibility for their customers.

“By adopting the Mobius platform, Liebherr is poised to differentiate its autonomous vehicles by addressing the market need for interoperability and openness,” explains ASI’s Drew Larsen, Director of Business Development over Mining. “I believe the market will welcome Liebherr’s decision.”

Liebherr has integrated with the Mobius protocols for its vehicle control interface, rather than establishing a proprietary command and control platform on its own. This move to an open platform will provide much needed flexibility to their customers when integrating different autonomous vehicle types throughout a mine site.

About Autonomous Solutions, Inc.

Autonomous Solutions, Inc. is a world leader in vehicle automation. ASI’s Mobius platform provides an OEM-agnostic, interoperable command and control software solution for autonomous vehicles. Mobius enables mine operations to integrate a variety of mining based vehicles under a comprehensive platform. ASI’s robotic hardware and software systems allow users to safely manage their entire fleet of vehicles autonomously. A world leader in vendor-independent vehicle automation systems, we serve clients in the mining, agriculture, automotive, government, and manufacturing industries with remote control, teleoperation, and fully automated solutions, all from our headquarters and 100-acre proving ground in northern Utah.

ASI’s vehicle automation products can be found in companies and government agencies throughout the world, including Anglo American, Rio Tinto, Ford Motor Company, Case New Holland, Luke Air Force Base, General Dynamics, Sharp Electronics, and others.

About Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport News Co.

Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport News Co. has been manufacturing large mining trucks designed to handle payloads of up to 363 t / 400 tons for the international mining industry since the mid-1990s. The trusted diesel-electric drive concept ensures the highest level of cost-effectiveness and, when paired with a Liebherr R 996 B or R 9800 mining excavator, the trucks are perfectly suited for the demands of mining environments. Customers can expect a high level of performance from these machines at the lowest cost per ton. Since Liebherr’s move into the mining industry, its equipment has set standards in open-cast mining operations around the world. Through advanced technologies, long-life components and comprehensive on-site customer service, Liebherr mining trucks, excavators and crawler tractors ensure the highest levels of up-time and cost-efficiency – even under the toughest of conditions. Liebherr’s continuous focus on innovation and quality ensures maximum customer value in all product areas.