Feature

Safety driven: Seeing past the dust

Since transport accounts for 40 percent of all quarry accidents and 60 percent of all deaths, the introduction of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in quarries has the potential to improve safety significantly. However, one of the major challenges is designing AVs that can navigate in dusty environments.

07/10/2024 11:59:09

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Here, Tom Cash, Director of Foxmere, explains why improvements in sensor technology can tackle the industry’s dust issue following the unveiling of the UK’s first autonomous articulated dump truck (ADT).

A quarry in Devon has introduced the UK's first ADT, marking a significant milestone for the minerals and aggregates industry.

The integration of advanced technologies like radar sensors, high-precision GPS, multi-channel communication systems, and onboard processing hardware has created an autonomous-ready drive-by-wire option.

Drive-by-wire refers to electronic systems that replace or augment traditional mechanical controls in vehicles. Instead of cables or hydraulics, it uses electronics to activate brakes, control steering and manage the engine, ensuring safe and resilient navigation across the quarry.

This comes at a time when the expectations and needs of the industry are changing. Improved efficiency and better safety, along with environmental considerations, are key priorities which require advanced sensor technology.

Read the full article in DPA's October 2024 issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.