Scooptram Automation Total is part of the Swedish OEM's transport offering within its ‘6th Sense' scheme that focuses on digitalisation, automation and system interconnectivity.

The traffic management package at the core of the new solution creates a common information environment to control multiple fleets of loaders.

In addition to operating the machines, the system should remove the risk of collisions in common drifts. The automated area is fully isolated with safety barriers that will shut off the system if personnel or unauthorised vehicles breach them.

It is also possible to add new vehicles to the traffic management system without halting production, using a check-in/check-out procedure.

From a remote control station, the operators can monitor the vehicles' progress throughout the mine.

Epiroc's global product manager for automation Vladimir Sysoev believes Scooptram Automation Total is a game-changer for boosting safety for underground operators as well as their efficiency.