As Rio Tinto prepares to expand its autonomous haulage footprint at the Gudai-Darri iron ore operation in Western Australia, the miner has brought in the assistance of Immersive Technologies.

Immersive has placed its simulators at the operation ahead of the mine’s plans to operate autonomous trucks with Cat MineStar Command for Hauling. Gudai-Darri’s goal is to proactively address development challenges with autonomous operations and focus on safety and efficiency.

Rio noted that it has been utilising Immersive’s simulation systems for over 17 years. For this project, it will use a platform which simulates a CAT 6060 excavator, CAT D10T dozer and CAT 18M grader. 

All simulator modules are equipped with an autonomous system panel and provide a safe, effective training environment, Immersive said, that allows learners to operate their equipment while interacting with the autonomous trucks and managing their work areas.

“This is an important component of our comprehensive training program for AHS, which includes supporting new team members as well as upskilling existing employees,” said Rio Tinto Vice President - Human Resources Scott Browne.

“Gudai-Darri will be one of the world’s most technologically advanced mines. Preparations are well under way to ensure its workforce is ready to take on the high-tech jobs on offer.”

The simulator solution at Gudai-Darri has been complemented by machine pre-start inspection software to give a detailed visualisation of equipment components, including autonomous ones fitted on machines.

A virtual classroom product additionally hosts complex autonomous procedures to give an immersive learning experience in a safe, repeatable virtual environment.

Source: Immersive Technologies