Autonomous LHD loading

Machine vision is used for guidance of the autonomous loading of ore during underground mining. Three dimensional spatial data of the ore pile is derived in real-time from camera images and is used for planning the scooping process. A sensory integration technique combines feedforward from the same vision system with wheel odometry to guide the vehicle to and from the ore pile. A computationally efficient kinematic model of the vehicle is derived and its application discussed. LHD (load-haul-dump) vehicles are used extensively in underground mining. Increasing production costs and the ongoing quest for improved safety provide a great incentive to automate their working cycle. This research concentrates on a major component of this task-automation of loading. The proposed loading controller will load an LHD swiftly and safely while leaving the ore pile in a suitable condition for subsequent bucket scoops.