A flexible control, communication, and data collection network for mining machines

The integration of off-the-shelf components into a microcomputer-based control, communication, and data collection network that provides a base for computer-controlled mining machine research and coal production applications is described. Functions provided by the network include closed-loop control, teleoperation, navigation, data collection, and diagnostics. These functions are all provided to help pursue the goal of moving the man off of the machine and to a safer area. The installation of the network or a Joy 14CM continuous mining machine has accelerated the collection of data and the generation of navigation and control algorithm. The demonstrated ability of the system lends itself to potential use on other mining machine types