Reverse Assist completes the division's Operator Assist product suite.

Inaccurate reversing manoeuvres and costly collisions are perennial hazards for drivers backing into a loading position, a process known as ‘spotting'. The direct cost of inaccurate spotting can be thousands of dollars per shovel, per day. Hexagon stated that Reverse Assist all but eliminates re-spotting.

Traditionally, mines utilised inefficient practices to guide truck operators, such as bucket spotting and single-side loading. This limited the production capacity of trucks and shovels.

By calculating a path and providing a truck operator with dynamic guidance along that path, Reverse Assist helps operators to position right the first time, without the need for shovel-bucket support. Reverse Assist can keep the mine running safely and smoothly, increasing shovel productivity, saving time and money.

Fabien Kritter, head of automation at Hexagon, said: "Optimising the loading and unloading or dumping cycle is critical for mining operations. Reverse Assist simplifies complex operations, such as spotting, and is a true dual-loading enabler.

"Aside from productivity gains, Reverse Assist brings other benefits, such as shorter operator training and proper load distribution. It eliminates machine damage and inadvertent contact with the shovel, not to mention the risk of associated injuries.

"For mines balancing the need for cost efficiencies and safety, Reverse Assist is an important building block in that strategy."