Hexagon strengthens drill autonomy capabilities with exclusive partnership
28 February 2022
Tucson, AZ, February 28, 2022
Hexagon’s Mining division today announced it has signed an exclusive partnership agreement with Phoenix Drill Control, a technology company specialized in implementing autonomous technology to the open-pit, blast-hole drilling process.
Applying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine control to drill automation, Phoenix Drill Control’s autonomous drill technology overcomes the constraints typically associated with traditional drill automation platforms, such as removal or replacement of existing machine controls, extensive operator training and reliance on operator input.
AI algorithms monitor all input signals and take dynamic corrective action, without operator input and before catastrophic hole failure or a stuck drill bit occurs. Phoenix’s autonomous drilling platform has a proven production track record demonstrating that it outperforms the industry’s existing automated drills.
Optimized drill operations have the potential to significantly improve a mine’s bottom line by protecting machine life, ensuring high-quality blast holes and reducing overall drill costs. Consolidating the necessary technology into one connected platform is how Hexagon is helping to empower its customers’ autonomous future.
“Partnership with Phoenix Drill Control will further enhance Hexagon’s autonomous capabilities,” said Ryan Hawes, COO, Hexagon’s Mining division. “Phoenix Drill Control’s simplified, scalable automation platform is commercially available immediately. It will bring profound benefits to customers, including faster decisions with greater accuracy, improved health and safety, greater efficiency by eliminating errors and a smaller environmental footprint.
“Like Hexagon, Phoenix Drill Control creates technology that is scalable and platform-agnostic. This ensures data is accurate, without operator induced noise, and does its best work, arming customers with a feedback loop that points the way to a safer, more productive and sustainable future,” said Hawes.
Mark Baker, President of Phoenix Drill Control said: “We’re excited to partner with Hexagon and believe our collaboration will benefit customers. The combination of Phoenix’s AI technology with Hexagon will propel autonomous drilling to the forefront of the industry. After all, drilling is at the beginning of the mining process, and when done right, the entire value chain benefits.”
For more information, please contact:
McKinzie Brocail, Sr. Manager Content & Communications, Hexagon’s Mining division, +1 520.499.4793, mckinzie.brocail@hexagon.com.
Hexagon is a global leader in digital reality solutions, combining sensor, software and autonomous technologies. We are putting data to work to boost efficiency, productivity, quality and safety across industrial, manufacturing, infrastructure, public sector, and mobility applications.
Our technologies are shaping production and people-related ecosystems to become increasingly connected and autonomous — ensuring a scalable, sustainable future.
Hexagon’s Mining division solves surface and underground mine challenges with proven technologies for planning, operations and safety.
Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B) has approximately 22,000 employees in 50 countries and net sales of approximately 5.1bn USD. Learn more at hexagon.com and follow us @HexagonAB.
