Will AI Replace Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining?

Handle high voltage sources and hang electrical cables.

physical manipulation — Connecting cables is hands-on installation

Drive loaded shuttle cars to ramps and move controls to discharge loads into mine cars or onto conveyors.

physical manipulation — Hands-on vehicle and equipment operation

Pry off loose material from roofs and move it into the paths of machines, using crowbars.

physical manipulation — Manual moving of materials and supplies

Move trailing electrical cables clear of obstructions, using rubber safety gloves.

physical manipulation — Positioning material handling equipment is physical

Control conveyors that run the entire length of shuttle cars to distribute loads as loading progresses.

physical manipulation — Physical control of conveyors and material movers

Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines.

physical manipulation — Physical hand signals to direct vehicle movement

Examine roadway and clear obstructions from the path of travel.

physical manipulation — Manual removal of debris from sites

Drive machines into piles of material blasted from working faces.

physical manipulation — Excavation equipment operated by hand in field

Operate levers to move conveyor booms or shovels so that mine contents such as coal, rock, and ore can be placed into cars or onto conveyors.

physical manipulation — Physical control of conveyors and material movers

Clean, fuel, service, and perform safety checks on all equipment, and repair and replace parts as necessary.

visual inspection — Condition assessment needs physical presence

Clean hoppers, and clean spillage from tracks, walks, driveways, and conveyor decking.

physical manipulation — Machinery cleaning requires hands-on work

Oil, lubricate, and adjust conveyors, crushers, and other equipment, using hand tools and lubricating equipment.

physical manipulation — Physical maintenance of material moving equipment

Monitor loading processes to ensure that materials are loaded according to specifications.

visual inspection — Loading oversight is physical, in-the-world supervision

Measure, weigh, or verify levels of rock, gravel, or other excavated material to prevent equipment overloads.

information retrieval — Spec verification against references, human confirms edge cases

Replace hydraulic hoses, headlight bulbs, and gathering-arm teeth.

physical manipulation — Physical maintenance of material moving equipment

Stop gathering arms when cars are full.

physical manipulation — Excavation equipment operated by hand in field

Move mine cars into position for loading and unloading, using pinchbars inserted under car wheels to position cars under loading spouts.

physical manipulation — Positioning material handling equipment is physical

Advance machines to gather material and convey it into cars.

physical manipulation — Physical control of conveyors and material movers

Signal workers to move loaded cars.

physical manipulation — Physical hand signals to direct vehicle movement

Guide and stop cars by switching, applying brakes, or placing scotches, or wooden wedges, between wheels and rails.

situated mobility — Locomotive operation requires real-world vehicle control

Observe and record car numbers, carriers, customers, tonnages, and grades and conditions of material.

data analysis — Record production data into structured logs

Read written instructions or confer with supervisors about schedules and materials to be moved.

information retrieval — Parse work orders into procedures reliably

Maintain records of materials moved.

data analysis — Record production data into structured logs

Direct other workers to move stakes, place blocks, position anchors or cables, or move materials.

physical manipulation — Material handling direction is on-floor supervision

Push or ride cars down slopes, or hook cars to cables and control cable drum brakes, to ease cars down inclines.

physical manipulation — Positioning material handling equipment is physical