NetRobo – Networked Robotics Test Beds (Robottityökoneiden, -ajoneuvojen ja -droonien digitalisoidut testiympäristöt​)

Oulu University of Applied Sciences (Oamk) is developing rapid methods for bringing existing underground mine 3D models into the development environment of autonomous and zero-emission work machinery (NUVE-LAB).

The demonstration site includes existing 3D models from the Pyhäjärvi mine. Additionally, Oamk will conduct an analysis of existing digital models of mines. The goal is to develop a generic method for importing and utilizing digital models in the NUVE-LAB simulation environment.

The project aims to equip and develop the infrastructure of Ouluzone and Pyhäjärvi Callio and Linnamaa Campus (University of Oulu, Oamk/NUVE-LAB, and VTT) to a new level. The goal is to develop digitalized and interdisciplinary test environments for autonomous work machinery and robots. A remote control center will be set up at Linnamaa Campus to synergize with existing infrastructures.

The measures include investment and development sections.

Investments include:

• Acquisition of low-emission automatic work machinery and vehicles (including 2 vehicles for Ouluzone and their automatic control systems),
• Acquisition of complementary work machinery for Oulu University’s autonomous work machinery swarm research, especially automatic dump trucks,
• Charging infrastructure for electric machines,
• Development of data transmission networks and methods,
• Development and equipping of various test tracks for autonomous machinery and swarm-based devices,
• Provision of maintenance and equipment facilities,
• Special diagnostic and cleanroom facilities for electronic and optical equipment.

The automated work machines will be invested in OSAO, which has the best facilities and resources for the safe use and training of work machines. Oamk is developing rapid methods for bringing existing underground mine 3D models into the NUVE-LAB simulation environment. The demonstration site includes existing models from the Pyhäjärvi mine.

Action 1. Oamk analyzes the possibilities of real-time GIS (Geographical Information Systems) utilization over the network, conventional 3D modeling methods of existing mines, and their interoperability with digital models of machinery within the Functional Mockup Interface (FMI) framework.

Action 2. Oamk examines the implementation of existing models from the Pyhäjärvi mine and their suitability in real-time simulation environments (Hardware in the Loop, Vehicle in the Loop) built according to the FMI framework, and integrates Pyhäjärvi mine models, where appropriate, into the NUVE-LAB development environment.

Action 3. Oamk demonstrates the utilization of Pyhäjärvi mine model in the NUVE-LAB simulation environment (HiL/ViL) in the development and testing of green autonomous work machinery.

Result of Action 1: Method framework for flexibly and rapidly transferring existing environmental models (GIS – Geographical Information Systems; mine models) into the NUVE-LAB simulation environment.

Result of Action 2: Modification of Pyhäjärvi mine models according to the method framework defined in Action 1 and implementation in the NUVE-LAB development environment.

Result of Action 3: Demonstration and verification of interoperability between digital twin of machinery and Pyhäjärvi mine model (e.g., driving resistance) at the Pyhäjärvi mine and in the NUVE-LAB environment. Verification of the model’s authenticity compared to the authentic environment. Observational material on environmental research opportunities will be provided for the use of the Pyhäjärvi mine.

This project, co-funded by the EU, has been granted funding by the Council of Oulu Region. The project involves the University of Oulu (lead partner), Educational Consortium OSAO (VET), VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, and Oulu University of Applied Sciences.