Scanning Radar System for Machine Guidance

This paper documents an application of a scanning microwave radar system that has been developed by the CSIRO Mining Technology group as an aiding sensor for machine guidance in a mining environment. In this application, radar imaging is considered as a vital alternative to other technologies such as optical imaging based on laser technology, because the imaged environment is characterized by high levels of airborne and surface dust. In this case, the microwave radar offers a higher level of immunity against fine particle interference than an optical system. This is an attractive solution provided that a lower resolution image is acceptable. The developed scanning radar system combines a mechanical pan-tilt scanning platform and a 26 GHz monostatic radar unit. The prototype system is employed in the field for the purpose of collision avoidance on a shiploader boom. Raw data from this unit is processed to allow comparison with corresponding laser scanner point data, initially for the 2D case of measuring the distance-to-deck from the shiploader boom. The 2D results are encouraging. Based on these positive results, a software interface featuring a 3D display of detected targets is developed.