Kite Shield aspires to become the global standard for mining safety systems, starting in underground mining and extending to other industries reliant on proximity between automated and manned machinery.
The challenge: Automated and manned machines can’t work safely together in industrial environments
In many industries, heavy investments are made in automation and the technology needed to enable it is available. However, there is a main problem when driving automation initiatives in heavy industry – humans must still be able to safely work in the same area as automated machines to perform various tasks, such as maintenance work, which automated machines cannot handle.
Today, the only applicable way to ensure safety around large, automated machinery operating in areas where people also work is to confine the machines in “robot cells,” which guarantees safety and enables automation but reduces flexibility and efficiency. As a result, the expected productivity gains are often unrealized in environments where this separation is infeasible.
Boliden initiated Kite Shield as a safety game-changer
The Kite Shield project was initiated by Boliden to overcome this safety and efficiency challenge of automation, focusing on underground mining as a starting point. The goal is to set a new safety standard and system that enables human-operated machines, automated vehicles, and personnel to work safely together in shared spaces. The system guarantees collision avoidance, paving the way for effective automation.
The idea is to drive the initiative through a partnership ecosystem and share the safety standard with the mining industry. The mining companies included, which are currently Boliden and LKAB, ensure that the work is conducted according to the best interest of the mining industry. The safety system is built by leading technology providers, Mobilaris, Combitech, NXP, and Robotec – through the Kite Shield project.
The power of ultra-wideband technology
Mobilaris plays a critical role in the Kite Shield project, providing robust real-time ultra-wideband (UWB) infrastructure and positioning solutions for the early prototype and is currently developing the new safety UWB localization system. UWB radio technology offers highly accurate localization information. Unlike traditional technologies such as GPS or BLE, UWB excels in complex indoor environments, ensuring precise and reliable tracking even in areas with signal interference. This level of precision is vital for critical applications in sectors such as mining, where accurate localization of personnel, equipment, and assets is critical for optimizing operations and ensuring safety. Finally, the envisioned safety system can seamlessly integrate with IoT and automation systems through public interfaces, enabling an extensive digital ecosystem that enhances industrial transformation based on the available localization data. By combining UWB’s precise position data with IoT sensors and automation technologies, new opportunities for optimizing processes open up.
“UWB is everywhere – safety is simply the next natural step in its evolution. Our team is combining it with the latest advancements in memory-safe programming, leveraging languages like Rust, to ensure extreme reliability and robustness. By integrating safety-critical design principles with cutting-edge development tools, we are establishing a foundation that not only meets today’s performance demands but also anticipates the complex interplay between manned and autonomous machines, ensuring seamless and safe operations for the future.” says Emil Fresk, CTO and UWB Expert, Kite Shield.
A dynamic and secure safety system
The safety system is developed to be dynamic; it continuously monitors the locations of machines and other actors within an area and automatically halts the machines if dangerous situations arise. Unlike traditional positioning systems, the concept focuses on guaranteeing where people and machines are not located. The system will be safety-certified according to the Machinery Directive.
Looking ahead
Kite Shield is expected to revolutionize automation and safety in industrial areas reliant on mobile machinery. Starting in underground mining, where the need and benefits are greatest, the system is expected to extend to other heavy industries.
In close collaboration with key partners, the goal is to establish a robust safety system for mixed traffic solutions, allowing manned and automated machines to share the same workspace safely and efficiently. Successful tests in mining environments have already demonstrated promising results, and the new safety standard is on track to be implemented within a few years.
In June 2024, Kite Shield AB was established as Mobilaris’ newest product venture, a significant step toward revolutionizing safety in industrial environments.
“At Mobilaris, building products that enable safer industries has always been a top priority and with Kite Shield, we are aiming higher than ever. I’m convinced this will be a true game-changer for industrial automation,” says Mats Jakobsson, CEO, Mobilaris Group and Kite Shield.
Want to know more?
For further information, please contact:
Mats Jakobsson, CEO, Mobilaris Group
Phone +46 (0)70-564 35 53
E-mail mats.jakobsson@mobilaris.se
