Distance, Awareness and Orientation: Exploring Augmented Reality Applications for the Deep Mining Industry

Purpose and goal

The aim of the pre-study has been to, through a user-centric process, identify future AR applications and systems desired by users and other stakeholders in the mining industry. During the pre-study four design concepts were developed. All based on the user and focusing on how to increase personal safety and the user´s well-being when down in the mine. Three of the concepts are based on AR technology and the fourth is based on optical measurement technology. The concepts have been developed together with Boliden as a stakeholder and with project partners as a panel of experts.

Expected results and effects

The design concept that was chosen was "Speaking Human to Machine" and is based on optical measurement technology. The concept focuses on exploring user-centred and technical solutions for how you as a human can communicate with autonomous vehicles and systems with your body and protective equipment. We have connected three new partners to the project and we have also anchored this with two industry partners. A new proposal is planned after the turn of the year and the goal is to design and test in total three prototypes.

Planned approach and implementation

Early in the project, we met with a representative from Boliden where we presented how we wanted to work with a design-driven process. Interest arose, but ideas for solutions were sought. To find out which solutions were desirable we visited the Kankberg mine and we also met with people who worked in the mining industry as well as project representatives connected to mining. Four design concepts were developed, of which 3 were based on AR technology and one on optical measurement technology. When Boliden then indicated which concept suited them best, we built a consortium fit for that idea.