Electromagnetic coal face environmental observation and recognition for feats in process optimization and occupational health and safety (FEATureFACE) : final report

The FEATureFACE project completed the development of a prototype for a diverse redundant collision avoidance system with three different sensor technologies working together via sensor fusion algorithms. Each of the three system was developed up to a state, in which it could be integrated into the overall FEATureFACE system: the Electromagnetic Observation Unit (EOU) where all the data are linked and fused. A sound based localisation system (SBLS) was created and augmented by BECKER's radio link; the 3TECH system was finalized and the hard- and software was integrated within the EOU. Regarding the third technology, the RADAR part, a complete change in technology was necessary. Due to unforeseen shortcomings of the initially planned Harmonic-Radar approach, a different technology was brought into the project by INDURAD. This new technology employs passive 2D-radar and active 2D-radar. This technology was brought up to be ready for use and integration-ready. Overall the sensor fusion system was shown functional and demonstrated on a road header. Especially on the static measurement scenes good detection results were obtained. The collision avoidance system based on tags worn by the miners showed good results, too. Furthermore, it was presented that the machine itself can be positioned inside mine tunnels: In a second use case, the 1D radar as an off-branch of the 2D-radar development could be completed. Together with EICKHOFF the 1D radars were successfully mounted on a shearer loader. It is envisaged that this development will provide an innovative automation system for collision avoidance of shearer loaders.