Rapidly developing technology is constantly being harnessed in Proximity Detection Systems (PDS) to deliver steadily improving functionality for customers. Anton Lourens, CEO of Johannesburg-based PDS pioneer Booyco Electronics, says, “The world of electronic technology is an ever-evolving space with newer solutions being made available quicker than ever. In our experience, we see improved PDS solutions being developed, for instance, in the combination of multiple different sensing technologies into a single fully integrated solution.”
PDS solutions are being improved with new technologies: this unit combines different sensing technologies into a single integrated solution.
This integrated sensing solution is then optimised through functional performance, driven mainly by software for these specific, comprehensive PDS requirements, he adds. As PDS technology evolves and matures, Lourens notes that the demand for processing power, and the ability to process multiple sensors, has increased dramatically since the first basic PDS units were developed.
“Fortunately, in our continuously evolving electronic world – including the global development of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and big data mining – the PDS industry can access the required processing platforms,” he says. “Similarly, sensing technology is expanding rapidly. This is introducing more suppliers of specific technology solutions, often making available different and better functions.”
Lourens emphasises that PDS is playing an important part in mine automation. It is seen by some stakeholders as the foundation for autonomous vehicles, specifically with the enhancements around Level 9 engineering control solutions for trackless mobile machines (TMMs). In another important trend, various mining stakeholders and organisations are engaged in workstreams to define specific PDS requirements applicable to different operations.
“For instance, labour intensive operations have different requirements to automated operations,” he says. “At the same time, we are experiencing more engagement from OEMs, which play an integral role in the overall proximity detection ecosystem. This is also driving their own standards and regulatory compliance.”
In general, Booyco Electronics is seeing more collaboration from a spectrum of stakeholders to ensure improvements on safety standards – actively promoting the drive towards Zero Harm. As a leading player in PDS technology, the company remains committed to continuous improvement and meeting best practices that include integrated real-time data solutions for customers, Lourens says.
He highlights further: “In addition to the standard PDS functionality, the user gains significant benefits from using the data as a tool for change management. Beyond the ability to analyse traffic flow, for example, mines can identify high-risk areas and apply mitigating interventions.
“With the deployment of additional integrated technology, the value of the data can be further extended to include the measurement and improvement of operator behaviour, and that in turn could lead to productivity increases,” he says.
For more information visit: www.booyco-electronics.co.za