As a founding member of the CharIN taskforce for electrical standards in mining, ABB is working to accelerate the adoption of electrical interface solutions for the industry, with this latest innovation forming a key part in achieving this ambition. The Robot ACD will allow for more reliable and efficient truck charging without the need for human intervention. The fully automated, interoperable connection device is ruggedized to withstand the harsh environmental conditions of mines.
Allowing for a seamless transition into existing mining operations, the technology’s scalability and interoperability means it will be compatible with current and future mining trucks, connection mechanisms, and interfaces.
Currently, the technology is being tested at ABB’s laboratory in Sweden, followed by testing under real mining conditions at Boliden’s Aitik site starting within Q4 this year. Working in collaboration with industry partners, Boliden, BHP and Komatsu, ABB’s Robot ACD will also undergo early field trials to address the technical solution requirements.
“The fact that robotic technologies can and will be incorporated into the most advanced modern mining operations is a proud milestone in ABB’s overall 50-year long journey with robots,” said Max Luedtke, Global Business Line Manager for Mining, ABB Process Industries. “Bringing this together with electrification and automation is a strong differentiator for ABB, and we’re even more impactful through our collaborations with industry partners. Clearly, the industry is on a trajectory towards increasingly automated and autonomous operations – technologies like eMine™ Robot ACD are essential for applications that meet new needs and growing possibilities. It’s an exciting field to be part of today.”
