DRILLING: Epiroc introduces the next generation of the Rig Control System for Pit Viper blasthole drilling rigs

Texas -  Epiroc, is proud to introduce the fifth generation of Rig Control System (RCS). RCS 5 is the next evolutionary step toward fully autonomous mining. [caption id="attachment_1003728676" align="alignnone" width="450"] Autonomous Pit Vipers-351 in action at mine site. Image courtesy of Epiroc.[/caption] RCS 5 provides the next step for the mining industry from the automation program that brought autonomous drilling into a sustainable reality. Features such as Machine-to-Machine Communication, sharing real time drill plan updates between drills, Auto Tower Angle and Integrated Camera View advanced awareness are some of the early features introduced. Whether operating from a remote location or on-board the drill, the new and improved RCS 5 intuitive main menu creates a user-friendly experience that ultimately increases productivity. This new design allows the operator to focus on the task-at-hand and switch seamlessly between screens in a well-organized and dynamic environment. RCS 5 with the new function Drill Plan Generator (DPG) allows for creating and editing drill plans on-board the rig or from a remote location quickly and easily. The new Drilling Data Screen in RCS5 features real time depth and penetration rate feedback with histogram for easy in-hole monitoring. “We’re excited to continue our automation journey, pushing the limits in sustainable productivity. Launching the RCS 5 platform will allow our customers and partners to further advance their operations, saving valuable time and dollars while increasing predictability and safety with either on board or autonomous operations” - says Tyler Berens, Product Line Manager, Automation at Epiroc Drilling Solutions. “Autonomous operations began with RCS 4, wait until you see where we take it with RCS 5.”