Remote control for tight underground spaces 24 Nov 2016

Operating cabin of the remote control system

Remote viewing of the site

A new teleremote and guidance system is assisting the navigation of underground haulage and excavation equipment at greater speed and with added safety.

The ControlMaster system from specialist guidance equipment developer RCT is installed in a custom built underground cabin, which has climate control, high definition video equipment and a safe, secure working environment. The new system enables the operator to control tunneling machines and haulage vehicles at speed while avoiding contact with the walls and eliminating machine damage.

System operators can also switch between manual guidance of the vehicles to the safer and more productive teleremote mode. Data from the machine is transmitted back to the remote control station, and if any major faults are detected an alarm sounds and a message appears on the remote control operators’ screen.

RCT offer comprehensive training for operators of the system and system technicians. Offsite technical assistance and advice is also offered once a system is installed.

The system has increased productivity in various underground works applications with operatives learning new skills of operating vehicles from the teleremote operator cabin. The major perceived benefit is the removal of personnel from the work area.