Design for automated self advancing monorail

This paper discusses the need for the automated installation of monorail sections which are used for the support of services and ventilation ducting to the continuous miner during roadway development in underground coal mining. The paper analyses the current state of development monorail technology and identifies how self extending monorails would complement new technologies emerging in automated roadway development, resulting in increased advance rates and improved safety. The constraints and challenges in designing for an automated solution are identified and discussed.