Drive-by-Wire and Safety-by-Wire® systems developed by Arnold NextG and NX NextMotion are gaining ground in the mining sector as companies seek to improve operational safety and efficiency in high-risk environments. The technology enables autonomous and teleoperated control of heavy machinery, reducing exposure of workers to dangerous conditions such as high temperatures, toxic gases, and unstable terrain.
The systems are already being deployed in a variety of applications, including self-driving haulage trucks from manufacturers like Caterpillar, Komatsu, and Liebherr; teleoperated drilling rigs from Epiroc and Sandvik; and remote-controlled bulldozers and loaders used in stockpile management by Komatsu and Hitachi. These solutions support round-the-clock operations and improve precision, while aligning with regulatory safety requirements.
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“Drive-by-Wire technology allows us to remove personnel from high-risk zones without compromising on productivity or control,” said a spokesperson from Arnold NextG. “With Force Feedback integration, operators can feel what the machine is experiencing in real time, enhancing accuracy and reducing fatigue during extended shifts.”
Force Feedback technology plays a crucial role in remote operations, providing tactile input that allows operators to detect unstable surfaces or mechanical interactions. This addition is particularly valuable in teleoperated applications, helping improve situational awareness from a distance.
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Major mining firms such as Freeport-McMoRan, Peabody Energy, and Newmont in the United States, alongside international companies like BHP, Rio Tinto, and Glencore, are reportedly incorporating these technologies as part of broader automation strategies. The integration helps meet increasingly stringent safety regulations from agencies such as the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), while also contributing to reduced fuel consumption and operational downtime.
As the mining industry continues to evolve under pressures of efficiency, safety, and environmental standards, Drive-by-Wire systems represent a significant technological shift—offering a path toward safer, more sustainable mining practices.
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