Mining vehicles charge ahead

ABB’s Robot Automated Connection Device will help streamline electrification and automation of mine operations.

According to ABB’s own figures, if every truck in every mine were entirely electrified, CO2 emissions would be reduced by about 198,000 tons every day.

With this in mind, ABB has unveiled a technology demonstrator of a fully automated MW-class connection device that complements its eMine™ FastCharge system for electric mining trucks.

Under development in collaboration with Boliden, BHP and Komatsu, ABB’s Robot Automated Connection Device (Robot ACD) aims to improve safety and enhance performance.  Designed for the harshest environments, this flexible solution can be installed anywhere, relocates easily, and can charge any truck, without human intervention and at the highest power available on today’s market, thus minimizing mobile asset downtime. A powerful robotic arm equipped with a highly accurate vision and sensor platform can actuate a range of electrical connectors, thus providing a vendor- and technology-agnostic infrastructure.

Embedded in the eMine™ FastCharge system, the Robot ACD can be monitored and controlled to optimize charging and energy usage in real time. Furthermore, the system does not require heavy installation, thus lowering infrastructure costs and optimizing CAPEX/OPEX. 

Naturally, the amount of time required for a given charge depends on a haul truck’s onboard battery capacity and the next targeted vehicle’s operational profile. Nevertheless, it is widely understood that the industry will need higher charging powers. Work is therefore in progress to target higher power levels in the multi-MW range. In the meantime, considering that the eMine™ FastCharge and Robot ACD systems have a modular design, they offer a future-proof platform that adapts to higher powers and different grid connection voltages as technologies evolve.

As a founding member of the CharIN Mining Taskforce that is addressing the standardization and interoperability of charging solutions, ABB is working to accelerate the adoption of electrical interface solutions for the mining industry, with its Robot ACD innovation playing a key role in achieving this ambition. Allowing for a seamless transition into existing mining operations, the technology’s scalability and interoperability mean it will be compatible with current and future mining trucks, connection mechanisms, and interfaces.

In a nutshell, the combination of eMine™ FastCharge with Robot ACD offers a versatile system solution and a game changer that will enable mining operations to be conducted sustainably thanks to:

• a common electrical connection interface that works on any haul truck
• no manual operation
• ultra-fast charging to minimize downtime 
• a mobile system that can easily be installed anywhere
• modular design
• rugged design for operation in harsh environments, and
• future-proof digital design

As the trend toward full mine electrification evolves, diesel fumes will give way to clean electricity, which will help to maximize energy efficiency and the safe movement of persons and machines. Trucks will run at higher speeds, mining operations and their employees will benefit from CO2-free mines, and throughput will increase even as costs decline.

Thanks to the combination of eMine™ FastCharge with Robot ACD, mining leaders can truly imagine a connected workplace where people and equipment assets work together in synergy, ideally powered by renewable energies, such as wind, solar or hydro power.

Robot ACD technology was demonstrated for the first time at the MINExpo 2024 event in Las Vegas and is currently undergoing field testing.

Sources:
- ABB unveils technology demonstrator of eMine™ Robot Automated Connection Device, a new power charging solution for mining trucks

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