Remote Monitoring Systems Take Center Stage

Industry 4.0 is gradually taking over industrial sectors across the world, and mining is no exception. Also known as the fourth industrial revolution, Industry 4.0 encompasses trends including the Internet of Things and cloud computing. In the quest for improved reliability and pinpoint accuracy, mine operators are increasingly open to automation technology and data exchange systems. This plays right into the hands of Bosch Rexroth, whose hydraulic control systems can be adapted to fit the whole range of mineral processing operations.

“A variety of extraction processes are in employed in mines throughout the world, and Rexroth has therefore developed a range of products including hydraulic motors and power units which can be adapted to regional markets,” shares Tonatiuh Jiménez, Sales Manager at Bosch Rexroth.

As part of the Bosch family, Rexroth is not limited to offering hydraulic control solutions for mine operations. Benefitting from its parent company’s expertise in the automotive, software, and agriculture sectors, Rexroth has the ability to develop catered solutions for the entire value chain. It is in this variety where the company’s true differentiator lies, according to Jiménez. “The value of our service lies in the flexibility and adaptability of our mining products.”

One such solution is the Rexroth Remote Monitoring System for hydraulic components that drastically improves communication links between user and machine via fiber optic digital signaling programs, says Jiménez. “The system enables the user to monitor product performance and temperature in real time through a portal,” he explains. “It is connected to the internet, which means the client is able to make an instant, more accurate, and more informed decision from anywhere in the world.”

This remote control is particularly vital in underground mines, and as a result the majority of Rexroth’s mining clients are in this segment. “Underground mines require compact, safe, and efficient machinery," he explains. "Rexroth has developed solutions specifically designed for the Mexican market."

This attention to detail and focus on technological development is typical of the Bosch group, which reinvests 15 percent of sales on research and development. This work has a specific goal, which is to construct applications designed to solve client-specific issues rather than saturating the market with generic products. “We want to offer our clients a tangible solution to their problems,” Jiménez stresses.

In Mexico the process of introducing groundbreaking technology is not always a smooth one, with top executives known for being risk averse and unwilling to change an installed product that is delivering results. However, the sentiment is gradually shifting toward a more openminded approach, and Jiménez believes Rexroth to be at the heart of this process in Mexico. “Bosch Rexroth has welcomed the growing trend of inter-connectivity between machinery and labor force,” he claims. “This is yet to be fully integrated into the mining industry in Mexico due the challenging project locations and under developed infrastructure. However, we are determined to bring this technology to our clients in the sector because it represents the future of the industry.”

Aiming to continue to play a leading role in this future, Jiménez explains Rexroth’s ambitious plans to expand its presence in the local mining sector over the coming years. These plans have been encouraged by the improving precious metals price environment in 2016. “We will be opening new offices and a workshop in Mexico City, which will perform state of the art hydraulic tests,” he reveals. “We strive to create stronger client relationships by supporting them in their search for efficiency and productivity.”