2023-06-21 13:52:04
Remote operation technology for tractors is already a reality in Pará
The D11 crawler tractor is one of the largest in the world. It is primarily used to move large amounts of material over short distances in confined spaces. It is often found, for example, in mining. Operating equipment that weighs more than 100 tons is not a simple task, but technological advances such as remote operation are increasingly making it possible to find solutions to make this work much more accessible.
Hydro Paragominas initiative brings optimization, efficiency and diversity to work
inside the bauxite mine
Already Hydro Paragominas, operating the D11 tractor remotely is already a reality, including one of the first experiences of its kind in a bauxite mine in the world. And who is currently in that role is equipment operator Ana Caroline Fonseca: “Usually, operating a tractor entails issues such as trepidation, in addition to being in an isolated environment, so transport is needed even to go to the bathroom, for example. Now, I am inside the administrative building operating equipment miles away”.
Inside the remote operation cabin, Ana is able to have a 360 view of the place where the tractor is operating and follow all the details. She has undergone simulator training and is currently running test activities. “When the project is completely operational, it will be possible for the same person to operate up to three pieces of equipment simultaneously, in complete safety”, explains the Mine Operation manager at Hydro Paragominas, Edil Pimentel.
The remote control of the tractors is controlled from the cabin.
For the implementation phase, the team worked on structuring the data network necessary to make the project operational. In addition, the operators who will work in the cabin will receive a series of trainings. “The remote cabin is in line with Hydro’s policy of diversity and investing in a more welcoming environment for our teams: the work is much more comfortable for all operators and operators, being able to include even more women in the operation of tractors and people with disabilities who will also be able to work in this activity. In addition to stimulating innovation in general through the interaction of teams with cutting-edge technologies”, comments Edil.
Improved performance and productivity
Remote operation also increases performance, ensuring increased productivity, reduced exposure of workers to operational risks and quality of life for those who operate, reducing travel time to material handling areas where the tractor is located. “Our care remains the same: the area is completely signposted; we have to communicate by radio regarding the movement and the cameras and the sound system helps a lot”, comments Ana Caroline.
“Today, we already have all the necessary resources to make the remote connection and this is part of the implementation. We are mobilizing new resources so that the cabin has the necessary network redundancy to definitely operate with this resource soon”, concludes Edil Pimentel.
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