Rapidly developing technology is constantly being harnessed by Proximity Detection Systems (PDS) to deliver steadily improved functionality to customers, according to Anton Lourens, CEO of Johannesburg-based PDS pioneer Booyco Electronics.

“The world of electronic technology is an ever-evolving space with newer solutions and offerings being made available quicker than ever,” says Lourens. “Based on our experience in this space, we see improved PDS solutions being developed; one such instance is the combination of multiple different sensing technologies into a single fully 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, he 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 explains. “Similarly, sensing technology is also expanding rapidly; this is introducing more suppliers of specific technology solutions, often making available different and better functions.”

Lourens argues that PDS is definitely playing a vital part in mine automation; indeed, 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 clearly define specific PDS requirements that are applicable to different operations.

“For instance, labour intensive operations have different requirements to automated operations,” he says. “At the same time, we are also experiencing more engagement from OEMs, who have 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 variety 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, says Lourens.

“In addition to the standard PDS functionality, the user gains significant benefits from using the data as a tool for change management,” he explains. “Beyond the ability to analyse traffic flow, for example, mines can identify actual high-risk areas and apply mitigation interventions.”

“With the deployment of additional integrated technology, the value of this data can be further extended to include the measurement and improvement of operator behaviour, which in turn could lead to productivity increases,” he concludes.