Smart Solutions uses data and analytics to optimize our customers' operations, but for those operating a room and pillar mine that relies on batch haulage (such as shuttle cars and battery haulers) things can get tricky. Until recently, the only information available for the entire system was coming from one machine: the continuous miner. While those figures are useful, they don't provide a complete picture of how the equipment interacts, making it difficult to identify the best ways to increase efficiency and productivity.

To combat this, the team at Komatsu created JoyConnect, which is a package of hardware and software that can be installed on most Joy equipment, as well as equipment from other providers. The package provides valuable insights into the complete value stream of the operation by recording voltages, currents, temperatures, pressures, flows and operational information. Data from this system goes directly to the Smart Solutions Center, allowing the service group to utilize the information and deliver an enhanced service program, as well as understand the product's performance and its interaction with other equipment. This information can help savvy mine sites create a healthier bottom line

JoyConnect has been operating in South Africa on Joy shuttle cars, as well as on various roof bolters and feeder breakers since 2012. Thanks to the combined efforts of several teams across the Komatsu organization, the platform has been successfully applied to the BH20AC battery hauler, a product used primarily in coal and potash applications throughout North America.

One of the most interesting and innovative applications of JoyConnect is taking place at a mine in the Midwest region of the U.S. Four battery haulers have been equipped with the system and the information collected is being uploaded to the Komatsu Analytics Platform in order to it to create algorithms capable of producing key performance indicators (KPIs) to help mines gain a better understanding of their operations, enabling them to make informed decisions based on actual data.

You need a complete view of a fully connected mining unit to maximize productivity and produce at the lowest cost. JoyConnect provides you with the pertinent information you need to identify the dynamic nature of bottlenecks, some of which can change on an hourly basis. After all, the more you know, the more you can

This innovative platform is something all mines that utilize batch haulage should consider. Gaining access to this vast amount of information is an incredible advantage for operations that are looking to improve performance and use real-time data to make quick, game-changing decisions. Implementing JoyConnect could be just the thing you need to drive results that lead to improved productivity and increased profitability.