First steps towards an autonomous mining robot for coal extraction

A semi-automated coal extraction system with longwall drum ranging shearer is described to illustrate the way in which knowledge of mobile robots can be used to tackle previously unsolved technical problems. Because of the changing conditions during the extraction operations, unique sensor control of the drum height is not expedient. A multi-sensor system with superimposed seam model increases the control potential. The sensor and control structure used for this purpose is described. It permits hybrid theoretical value generation, either from the online sensor guidance or optionally via an extrapolation from the environment model