In a longwall operation, control systems act as the brain and nervous system, processing and carrying data. The faster, more reliable and intuitive these systems are, the closer your operation will be to realizing its full potential.
Faceboss is the control system at the heart of Joy advanced longwall performance and automation, forming a strong network empowering all longwall systems to work together seamlessly. It has been trusted by mines for years and continues to evolve with advanced features and faster speeds.
Automation holds the promise of safety advancements by removing workers from the face, and productivity and sustainability improvements through precision and repeatability. Joy longwall equipment is available with state-of-the-art automation features and software.
These smart mining tools enable you to remotely manage your longwall from a secure location, underground or on the surface. A comprehensive suite of automation technologies and solutions is available across our entire longwall product line — shearers, AFC and Joy-designed powered roof supports (PRS).
Advanced longwall mining equipment is gathering incredible amounts of data every day. When combined with manufacturer and industry data and advanced analysis, powerful insights are revealed. That’s our Smart Solutions service.
In a trusted partnership with Komatsu, you share your data with us; we analyze it against global benchmarks to deliver actionable insights to help you manage your operation and equipment.
Smart Solutions is a tiered offering, so you can match the service to where you are at on your longwall data and automation journey.
If you’re intent on increasing your productivity and reducing operator exposure to dust and noise, our latest shearer steering technology gives you access to fully automated cutting sequences, including gate end turnarounds. You program an initial cutting profile and extraction height with a graphical offline planner, and the shearer automatically replicates the profile until conditions change. Your operator has the ability to override control of the roof drum to follow the preferred horizon, and this new profile can be used in the remainder of the cutting sequence automatically. This advanced level of automation enables you to pursue the most efficient cycle times with added consistency.
The improved consistency and elimination of virtually all alignment shears can increase production up to 10%.* Inertia navigation system in shearer measures the straightness of the longwall and the Faceboss system uses that data to make path corrections.
*Based on internal testing vs. longwall without feature
Put more control in your operators’ hands with the RS20s for AFC. This system standardizes the control system across all Komatsu longwall products. This control system is designed to easily integrate with the Faceboss RS20n network (once this network is available).
Similar to the RS20s control system but with additional capability and speed to enable real time remote decision making. With data communications speeds up to 1 Gbit/s, it enables connections to high-bandwidth systems such as cameras and LIDAR.
Unlock the power of automation for the journey to zero harm and increased productivity with the global dual solenoid valve for powered roof supports. Its serial connectivity enables a distributed system for fast response. Can be used with any PRS system; common control with shearer and AFC advances Komatsu remote operation capabilities.
To help realize the potential of your longwall mining operations, the Joy Compak Next Gen helps facilitate your shearer cutting rate and delivers exceptional cycle time performance.
Quick Benefits:
*Comparison based on previous model
**Comparison based on previous model (like-for-like designs) without extra add-ons
This system advances the journey to zero harm by preventing movement of an advancing shield if the system detects a worker in harm’s way. Full integration into the Faceboss Control System eliminates the need for additional components.