Abstract

Ore-transport vehicles are widely used in mining operations and are characterized by unusual geometries, operation in confined spaces, and the restricted visual fields available to operators. These factors are largely responsible for vehicle collisions capable of causing serious injury to both the operator and miners working in the vicinity.

This project studied the capacity of different types of sensors, including proximity detectors, flexible bumpers, two- and three-dimensional visualization systems, infrared cameras and sensors, ultrasonic and laser telemetry, and radiofrequency radar and scanners, to detect humans. Experimental evaluation of some of these techniques in an underground mine revealed the extent to which environmental conditions can affect detection. Sonar, laser telemetry, and radiofrequency radar and scanners were found to function adequately in underground mines.