Blog
2023 - 4IR Trends for Mining
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is revolutionising how we work and live, and the mining industry is no exception. Investing in 4IR technologies for mines can have a wide range of benefits, from increased efficiency and safety to cost savings and improved productivity. By leveraging various 4IR technologies, from artificial intelligence and machine learning to advanced analytics and predictive maintenance, mines can more accurately forecast and prevent potential issues while keeping their operations running smoothly. Investments in 4IR technologies lead to more significant cost savings and improved asset performance management, making these technologies an attractive investment for the mining industry in 2023 and beyond.
Predictive Maintenance
Predictive maintenance systems will increasingly rely on cloud-based 4IR technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence to detect and respond to potential issues before they occur, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency. Cloud and edge computing will be crucial in helping predictive maintenance systems become more effective in the upcoming years. Cloud computing will provide the necessary infrastructure for predictive maintenance systems to store and process data. In contrast, edge computing will provide the power for predictive maintenance systems to operate near the data source. Furthermore, simulation technologies and digital twins will help predictive maintenance systems to become more accurate. Simulation technologies will help to create models of systems and operations. At the same time, digital twins will provide a virtual copy of the system and allow operators
to monitor, analyse, and optimise the system in real-time, enabling predictive maintenance systems to detect and respond to potential issues before they occur more accurately.
Automation and Autonomy
Asset optimisation and industrial AI will significantly impact automation and autonomous processes in the coming years. AI-driven technologies such as robotic process automation (RPA) will help to automate asset management processes, reducing human error and increasing asset performance. By applying predictive analytics, AI can identify potential problems before they occur, helping to minimise downtime and increase productivity. Additionally, mines can use industrial AI to automate mundane tasks, freeing up workers to focus on more complex tasks. Autonomous processes will become increasingly prevalent, allowing machines to take over tasks such as inspection and maintenance with minimal human input, helping to reduce costs and increase efficiency, creating a more productive and cost-effective environment for businesses.
Blockchain and Cyber Security
Use Blockchain technology to secure asset data and prevent tampering or corruption of data.
The use of blockchain and cyber security technologies will be essential in ensuring data integrity for digital twin and simulation technologies in the mining and manufacturing industries. Blockchain technology allows for the secure storage of asset data, providing a tamper-proof audit trail and preventing data corruption. Cybersecurity technologies will protect data integrity through encryption and secure access protocols. This data will be essential for digital twin and simulation technologies to generate accurate predictions and analytics. As digital twins and simulations become more prevalent in the mining and manufacturing industries, the need for secure data will only increase, making blockchain and cyber security technologies invaluable.