Digital Communications for Constricted Environments

Rinicom Limited, a leading UK SME specialised in state-of-the-art communication and detection systems, will develop an innovative communications platform enabling wider IoT and robotics adoption in challenging remote and underground infrastructure facilities and tunnels such as mines and transport systems, improving operational efficiency and safety, to drive increased productivity and sustainability.

By harnessing an innovative digital radio for leaky cable applications and a proprietary Software Defined Radio (SDR) acting as a mesh network to provide full coverage which is not feasible with existing state-of-the-art, the proposed system will enable a number of new services. More specifically, it will support multiple software and hardware device applications where signals can be sent and received in real-time between IoT-devices and a centralised system, offering full situational awareness for mining/transport operators above and below ground.

In addition, the proposed communication system will enable wider use of ground robots and Artificial Intelligence algorithms aiming to improve both the operations and predictive maintenance of the mines.

The innovative solution will be distinct in its ability to provide high-bandwidth, low-latency continuous communication over extended distances in underground mines --- a significant improvement over existing technologies such as low bandwidth analogue leaky cable and point based Wi-Fi-hotspots with limited 50m range, both suffering high latency and unable to provide mine- or tunnel-wide coverage. This positions Rinicom's technology as a critical enabler for the adoption of more advanced automation and safety monitoring systems in the mining and transport sectors.

The project focuses on prototype development and testing, building on the team's extensive industry knowledge and expertise, with access to a decommissioned mine for testing and post project pilot operations, plus an established network of distributors, equipment suppliers and operators across the UK and globally, to ensure the successful development and deployment of this innovation.