Bridging depths and data in mines: 5G-based point cloud mapping in unstructured environments

Construction Robotics, vol. 8

Abstract

Abstract Underground mines pose significant challenges, including hazardous working conditions, limited access, and the need to ensure the safety of human workers. Digital transformation through the integration of modern technologies is essential to mitigate these challenges and enhance the overall safety and efficiency of mining operations. This paper addresses the pressing need for 5G connectivity for the digital transformation of underground mines and demonstrates its application through a live 3D point cloud mapping by a mobile robot. The results of the experiments conducted to validate the network’s performance for such a use-case are presented. The first experiment involved testing the latency of the network over a test drift at various loads. The second experiment involved mapping the drift and streaming the 3D point cloud map of the drift over the 5G network. These initial experiments emphasize the potential of the 5G-enabled automation in underground mines and holds promise in digitalizing underground mining operations.

Authors 4

1. Ajith Krishnan corresponding Aachen Individualized Production in Architecture

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Individualized Production in Architecture, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

2. Hyung Joo Lee Aachen Individualized Production in Architecture

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Individualized Production in Architecture, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

3. Johannes Josef Emontsbotz Aachen Institute of Mineral Resources Engineering

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Mineral Resources Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

4. Sigrid Brell‐Çokcan Aachen Individualized Production in Architecture

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Individualized Production in Architecture, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany