Manufacturer and servicer Epiroc, in partnership with ASI Mining LLC, has introduced Mobius for Drills, what it calls “a new platform to convert data into useful, actionable information.” Mobius for Drills will lead mines toward automation and connectivity.

“We think of it as a tool to directly support making quick and effective interrelated decisions,” says Tyler Berens, automation director, Surface Mining, Epiroc Surface division. “Mines can get greater productivity and economies of scale as a single operator controls multiple remote and autonomous vehicles. Mobius for Drills is designed to tie the whole value chain together.”

In a release, the company says the Mobius system, driven by artificial intelligence, enables multi-vehicle command, control and monitoring to maximize productivity and safety.

Epiroc says the system displays data in an easy-to-use layout to map drill usage, evaluate statistics, track consumables and compare planned outcomes against actual results.

“Mobius for Drills is an ideal management tool because of all the support it provides in decision making, but Mobius for Drills also helps with driller training, so it is useful for the whole workforce,” adds Christopher Blignaut, product owner–data solutions, Epiroc Surface division.

The company adds that Mobius for Drills works across fleets with drills from multiple manufacturers, condensing all sources of information in one place. Mobius for Drills may be used as a fleet management system or integrate with a mine’s existing system.

“Mobius for Drills enhances engagement of all stakeholders with the drilling process. It provides valuable insight at each stage of the drilling process through a drill plan builder for planning, situational awareness for drill controllers and reporting for supervisors. It is a scalable product, which accommodates evolving needs of a mine,” explains Mahmood Hassan, engineering project manager–automation, Epiroc Surface division.

The system can import drill plans, monitor drilling and create reports over a secure system on site or remotely. It supports manned operations, teleoperation, and semi- and fully-autonomous modes, and covers applications from drill and blast through autonomous haulage systems.

Epiroc serves customers in the mining, infrastructure and natural resources industries in more than 150 countries. It develops and produces drill rigs, rock excavation and construction equipment, and also offers services and consumables. For more information, visit epiroc.com.