THEME ALIGNMENT

INDUSTRY PROBLEM

The Roobuck server software, located in a control room, produces a text messaging system that is disseminated to various underground facilities via Ethernet and wireless networks, including Wi-Fi and LTE. Such broadcasting systems are common in typical environments such as airports, hospitals, and shopping centers. However, due to the harsh environment in underground mines, no similar system has been developed for Australian underground mines. We expect this system to become an important communication infrastructure in most underground mines.

The tracking and obstacle avoidance system provides the location and status of people and vehicles to the control room, serving as an important source of content for the text messaging system. We will investigate and develop a camera-based tracking and obstacle avoidance system. Currently, obstacle avoidance systems rely on ultrasound, laser, radar, etc., but cameras can obtain richer information about vehicles, roads, or people, have fewer blind zones, and be more cost-effective. Additionally, it has the potential to accurately track workers and vehicles using AI. Such a system has not yet been developed for underground mines due to the extreme environment.