PROFITIS: A CAD simulator for automated guided LHD in underground mining

Autonation of LHD machines has recently become an attractive possibility, due to, among other reasons, the rapid development and use of microprocessors. This paper presents the basic features and principles of a computer program, called PROFITIS, which is used as a scientific tool for analyzing and evaluating the potential and the limitations of an automated guided LHD in mining operations. Specifically, reasons for creating PROFITIS, modelling principles and a demonstration example of utilizing the program are presented and described. The outcome of this paper will indicate that the utilization of automation and robotics in mining is strongly related to the computer science as well as to the development and use of appropriate software.