We were recently requested to undertake an analysis of the collision avoidance system (CAS) within support vehicles to support the transition to Autonomous Haulage. Here is one of the key findings below.

Nuisance Alarms

Nuisance alarms were experienced regularly across all vehicles. Alarms rarely required a response from the operator and became predictable to point where operator could anticipate then disregard alarms. The intent of any audible alarm is that it should effectively:

• Capture attention;
• Be identifiable;
• Illicit a timely and effective response

Common areas where nuisance proximity alarms generated by CAS were experienced included:

• Active Mining Areas (AMA);
• Carparks;
• Haul road corners and intersections; and
• Light vehicle interactions.

Operational modes are advised to support the management of nuisance alarms and optimise performance when operating vehicles in the AMA. This is an approach used in the rail industry to balance the level of system controls to protect yet also support the operational requirements. For example, as operational activities require slower speeds and closer proximity (activities within the AMA), the collision avoidance system controls should be adjusted, via a change of mode, to accommodate this. The optimal parameters for each mode, for each vehicle as appropriate, should be determined via a risk management and human performance analysis approach with relevant stakeholders and end-users being involved their development.