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Project HALO to make safer rock scaling a reality

A new creation using robotics and virtual reality (VR) technology is being developed that will make rock scaling operations safer in the mining industry.

Project HALO (High Access Localised Operations) is a robotic system with high-level autonomy that can complete the process of rock scaling in place of a human – an innovation that’s set to have many safety benefits.

Rock scaling is the process of “cleaning” a rock surface after it’s been blasted to remove any loose or unstable rocks that could fall and potentially injure people.

The task has historically been done manually by trained personnel who abseil along a rock surface to clear away any loose rock.

A three-way collaboration between Ausdrill, the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the Innovative Manufacturing CRC (IMCRC), Project HALO embodies a robotic arm that can perform rock scaling in a range of mining environments. One that has its own control system so it can translate human motion and commands into robotic actions.

The project will also explore VR interfaces and devices to help connect the HALO platform to an operator.

Ausdrill chief operating officer Roy Coates said the new HALO technology has many benefits.

“HALO is a revolutionary new technology that will improve the safety and efficiency of rock scaling operations while also reducing the associated costs,” Coates said.

“We are using technology to re-engineer how we perform rock scaling to eliminate the risks associated with working at heights and reduce our employees’ exposure to hazards. This project demonstrates our commitment to safety and eliminating hazards for our workforce.”

The $460,000 project will evolve the HALO platform Ausdrill and UTS developed in 2020.

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