The Underground Truck CAT AD22 Began to Transmit the First Data from the Mine!

Digitalization and the possibility of remote information transmitting play a significant role in our lives today. All areas of activities are moving online. And fleet control is no exception. That is why the CAT Product Link remote monitoring system was developed. Equipping all Caterpillar machines with this system is a priority, and we go towards this goal every day.

For ground vehicles that work, for example, in a quarry, there are standard CAT developments, which, when installed, allow both us and our customers to monitor the condition of the equipment remotely. There is free access to the equipment on the surface, so, if necessary, one can drive up, inspect it, correct or make adjustments.

But there are no standard systems for underground equipment, although the relevance of remote monitoring capabilities below ground is even higher than at any other facility. There is practically no communication in the mines, no opportunity to move freely, check the hardware, carry out inspections or monitor its condition. Besides, in the event of a breakdown, the equipment needs to be delivered to the surface for a service specialist to evaluate it, which requires a large number of resources and causes downtime.

That is why the specialists of "Borusan Cat in Far East of Russia" started an experiment. They developed a specific connection option for the machines in the Nikolaevsky GMK Dalpolymetal mine when the apparatus uses a standard CAT Product Link unit and separately installed Wi-Fi modules through which the connection to the system is established. The Internet is carried out in the mine and Wi-Fi points, through which data is transmitted to the remote monitoring system, are installed there.

It was the first experience of this kind, therefore various departments and specialists were involved in the project, everyone was engaged in searching for solutions. To launch the system, an action plan for the installation, connection, and configuration of equipment was worked out. A whole range of tasks was carried out with the customer's IT infrastructure block to correctly configure the communication channels and access to the system.

The work continued for several months. And now the moment that everyone was waiting for has come - the first CAT AD22 successfully transfers data from under the ground. The pilot project was successful, and the system operates without failures and errors. Shortly, the entire fleet of Caterpillar underground machines at the Nikolaevsky mine will be connected to the remote monitoring system.

Vladimir Osokin

Author

Has been working with Caterpillar machines for almost 20 years. Began his career as a locksmith, then became a seller of spare parts and services, and later started managing the sales team. Five years later - became the Head of sales of equipment for the mining industry. In October 2018, took the Head of the mining equipment department position. Has always been interested in growth and development. Since he has gone through all levels of activity in our company, he perfectly understands all the processes, knows what works and how. This experience helps him to solve many issues and lead his department forward, to new heights.
Since his job is fast-paced, he tries to spend all of his remaining time with his family. In the warm season, definitely goes to the countryside, enjoys nature and goes fishing with great pleasure.