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Applications of Wireless Indoor Positioning Systems and Technologies in Underground Mining: a Review

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Abstract

In the last decade, new developments took place in the area of indoor positioning (or localization). Since the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) cannot be used in underground mines, other technologies are needed for localization. Positioning and communication options today primarily include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID), etc. Smartphones and tablets currently have an array of sensors and radios, which can provide valuable information to allow indoor localization via various methods. Where mineworkers could keep smartphones with them, they can be highly effective at enabling localization and navigation. Recent applications of these technologies in underground mines have been thoroughly reviewed and examined for the likelihood of their utility for accurate localization where no other means exist. Some critical challenges and gaps that need to be addressed in future research have been identified.

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Funding

This research was funded by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) under contract no. 75D30119C06044, which is gratefully acknowledged.

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  1. United Consulting Group Ltd., Norcross, GA, 30071, USA

    Masoud Zare

  2. Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, The University of Nevada, Reno, NV, 89557, USA

    Rushikesh Battulwar, Joseph Seamons & Javad Sattarvand

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Zare, M., Battulwar, R., Seamons, J. et al. Applications of Wireless Indoor Positioning Systems and Technologies in Underground Mining: a Review. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration 38, 2307–2322 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-021-00476-x

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