The specific challenges in underground mines, such as confined spaces, mixed fleets, communication constraints and human behaviour have an impact on the effectiveness of proximity detection systems (PDS), says South African-based mine safety equipment manufacturer Booyco Electronics.

The company says it is addressing these challenges through improved integration capabilities, data acquisition and AI-driven technologies, while encouraging earlier engagement with mines and original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to streamline PDS implementation.

Every new vehicle type or OEM variant can effectively become a first‑time integration, notes Booyco Electronics CEO Anton Lourens, adding: “Every time a customer buys a new machine type or opts for a different OEM, that first time integration of PDS can be challenging.”

Lourens explains that the company sees PDS as both a data platform and a safety device, noting that each interaction, near miss and activation becomes a data point that can inform future behaviour, training and risk management. By expanding location infrastructure and then mapping specific underground positions, Booyco Electronics aims to help mines identify hotspots where additional engineering or procedural controls are needed.

With regard to AI, Lourens points out that the company is careful to deploy and position the technology correctly within the PDS environment.

According to Lourens, AI enhances the processing engine behind PDS by accelerating pattern recognition, improving behaviour prediction and turning raw data into faster, more meaningful insights. At the same time, he asserts that AI cannot replace core engineering effort or safety fundamentals in the PDS environment.

“AI is now evolving rapidly, and becoming more important as it assists in development and improvement but I don't believe that today’s AI models can replace human responsibility in technology development. It is another tool to improve the product,” he explains.

By combining robust integration, meaningful data acquisition and a realistic use of AI, Booyco Electronics says it hopes to overcome the challenges of implementing PDS in underground mining and to help the industry move closer to its goal of ‘zero harm’.