The Internet of Things (IoT) allows the connection of various devices/things to achieve particular a goal. The emergence of smart systems using IoT technology obtains efficient solutions for challenging problems in various industries. This will lead to a significant reduction in the costs for many different domains. With a focus on the mining industrial sector, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) improves process and operational efficiency and, increases productivity and safety, reduces downtime and operational cost.

Regardless of the complexity of IoT schemes, all the systems rely on one common factor - an effective and reliable transport mechanism for data and control information from/to the smart IoT devices. Therefore, the communication infrastructure in confined spaces has become the most critical element. This is especially true due to the limitations and complications of physical phenomena affecting the wireless system and networks in the mines and tunnels. Also, the underground mine is a unique structure and irregular in shape and size. Small segments and shafts are connected together to form the mine. The almost straight segments typically vary from 10 m to 200m in length. Because of the harsh physical nature, RF wireless signals attenuate heavily in non-line-of-sight conditions. Therefore, the mining IoT network architecture necessitates careful planning, designing, optimization and suitable wireless technology selection in order to provide reliable and robust IoT sensor connectivity.

In this presentation, designing and optimizing a LoRa wireless network and its smart applications for the mining industry will be presented. With its long-range, deep penetration, and ultralow-power consumption, and single-hop wireless communication technology; LoRa provides reliable connectivity to previously infeasible underground mining environments. A novel MAC protocol for LoRa technology, which will provide better connectivity for deterministic and bursty traffic in a harsh environment such as in mines, will be also discussed.

Session - Wireless positioning, tracking and engineering applications.