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Content archived on 2022-11-21

Study of the introduction of computerization and automation of drilling and heading machines in small workings

Objective

Aims of project:

The application of new computer and automation techniques to drilling machines or other machinery used in drivages is likely to produce significant improvements in:
working conditions: by making it unnecessary for men to have to work in areas which are dangerous or are polluted by noise and/or dust, by allowing certain manual operations to be mechanized and by facilitating the detection of faults;
pit performance: by increasing productivity and reducing faults and maintenance/repair times.

An approach based exclusively on the technical aspects of automation and machinery may produce anomalies in the man-machine relationship, as has sometimes been the case when computerization has been introduced in larger industrial units. Foremost among these anomalies may be:
difficulties in visualizing an actual physical situation on the basis of the symbolic descriptions provided by the machines,
difficulties in assimilating all the information available.

These difficulties result in increased costs for the undertaking owing to the long, expensive starting-up period, preparation difficulties, and a lower utilization of the equipment than planned.

Moreover, the workings in question are small and cramped: the number of tasks to be performed is high and the tasks must follow a precise sequence. The organization of the work is therefore of capital importance. Anomalies cause risk situations, stress and hard physical work which could otherwise be avoided.

The project aims to identify the specific nature of these possible ergonomic inadequacies.

Topic(s)

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Call for proposal

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Funding Scheme

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Coordinator

Charbonnages de France
EU contribution
No data
Address


France

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Total cost
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