Coal Field Officer Mandy-Jo is at the vanguard of autonomous haulage technology, with driverless trucks enhancing efficiency and safety at the Goonyella Riverside Mine in the Bowen Basin of Queensland, Barada Barna territory.
According to Mandy-Jo, if each truck were equipped with front and rear lasers, possible obstructions might be identified quickly, prompting the vehicle to automatically stop.
“The Front Runner system itself has several processes and safety safeguards,” she explains.
“I have software on my car’s computer that allows me to suspend the truck, at which point it will entirely stop, lower its steps, and allow me to personally enter the truck.”
Mandy-Jo states that they can convert autonomous trucks to manual with the press of a button when analyzing possible operational concerns.
The 23-year-old stated that her technological expertise was useful in her present work.
“I grew up in an age of technology, computer games, and constant smartphone use,” she remarked.
“Being able to manage these enormous machines from just a tiny light truck, I can be a hundred yards away and see and control what they’re doing.
During a time as a truck driver at Goonyella, Mandy, who comes from a long line of coal miners, became enamored with the occupation.
“Going up in one of those 250-ton, two-story machines is an experience you cannot get anyplace else,” she explains.
It is similar to a roller coaster ride, except you are always in charge.
Mandy-Jo was thrilled that her father was able to see her releasing her first autonomous vehicle on her first day of go-live as a Field Officer, as he prepared to transfer to another location.
“It was simply a really wonderful father-daughter moment to have my dad there on one of his last days, on my first day,” she recalls.
Nightshift, which is calmer and allows her to take in the ambiance, is another component of her job that she especially appreciates.
Mandy-Jo notes, “Our color-coded approach helps us to readily identify automobiles.” “For example, large trucks have green flashing lights, light vehicles have orange flashing lights, and autonomous equipment now has blue flashing lights.” So, it’s practically like Christmas all year long.”