Automation in mining has come a long way, providing precision and safety solutions on autonomous vehicles, ship loaders, crushers, and other plant.

As automation has become mainstream across the industry, the world’s major players in mining autonomy have responded with every greater level of functionality and accuracy, including the likes of Caterpillar (US), Komatsu Ltd. (Japan), and Sandvik AB.

Here, Sam Wood, head of product management IA and autonomous vehicles for Navtech Radar, argues that, whilst automation is providing many benefits, a critical challenge is being faced by mining customers in the lack of flexibility and customisation in existing systems - a ‘black box’ approach, if you like, which could adversely impact productivity and costs.