Underground mines are challenging environments for safe operation of autonomous machines, but next generation digital solutions could change that. A joint R&D project coordinated by VTT shows the potential of industrial 5G and edge intelligence in this field and creates new solutions for safe underground mining.
VTT, Nokia, and Sandvik together with other Finnish companies, Huld included, have taken steps towards deploying state-of-the-art 5G private wireless networks and edge intelligence to support autonomous mining. The mission of the Next Generation Mining project was to research, demonstrate and evaluate the feasibility and potential of industrial 5G, digital twin, and edge computing enabling safe digitalization of underground mines. The aim is to provide highly automated and remotely controlled mining operations.
For more information, read the rest of VTT’s press release here.
The Next Generation Mining (NGMining) project started in May 2021 and ended in September 2023. It also included University of Oulu as a research partner, as well as Epec, SATEL, Huld, Terrasolid, Etteplan, Noptel, Unikie, Iiwari, Millisecond, Wizense and Indagon as company partners. The project advisory board included representatives from Outokumpu and Agnico Eagle Finland, Telia 5G Business, Kalmar and Ponsse. The project was funded by Business Finland in connection with Nokia and Sandvik Veturi programs.