Augmented rock mechanics reality in underground mining
The mines extracts ore at an increasing depth. This means that the stresses increase, which in turn leads to a more unsafe work environment. Augmented reality (AR) is a technology where you can enhance (or augment) the real-world view with the help of computer-generated information. AR is thus a technology that has the potential to be an aid in rock mechanics in underground mining, e.g., in planning, to enable better communication, as well as to be a support in decision-making, and ultimately to make the mine a safer workplace.
What are the aims and objectives of this pre-study? The overall aim of the pre-study is to propose how augmented reality can be used as an aid for rock mechanics in underground mining. In this pre-study, all the terms Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR) or Extended Reality (XR) are of interest, and they are covered under the term "augmented reality". AR is a technology where the real-world view of the user is augmented with relevant computer-generated information. In rock mechanics this can be geomechanical information, planned layouts and results from numerical analysis.
The objective in the initial part of the prestudy is to determine and define what relevant supporting data (geomechanical data and results from numerical analysis) that is the most beneficial information to enhance with AR technology. Additional objectives are to review state of the art of augmented reality for mining applications and recommend what technology to use to localize and position the equipment in underground excavations. Another objective is to define requirements on the relevant computed-generated information that must be prepared for visualization with the AR technology.
Project parties: Luleå University of Technology, Itasca Consultants AB
Project financier: The work is carried out within the Strategic Innovation Program Swedish Mining Innovation (SMI), a joint venture by Vinnova, Formas and the Swedish Energy Agency.
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