A team of 2 developers from Sentient Computing took part in the Unearthed Hackathon in Perth over the weekend of 02/05/14. With only 2 days available, they tackled the challenge to provide a simulation solution to assist mines in managing a network of linked conveyor belts in a port stockyard. The goal was to be able to track and manage the dependencies between conveyors, control the traffic, and coordinate maintenance and downtime issues.
Using our MVX technology along with existing conveyor, and equipment assets, they were able to create an interactive 3D simulation of the actual stockyard. The application is linked to phone and mobile devices so that a person on site can navigate to where a problem is, and remote users who can see exactly what they are referring to. Due to time constraints, they were only partially able to implement the connection to the underlying network and database. However, they were able to demonstrate the ability to select and modify control settings on the conveyors using the simulation tool.
There were rounds of applause during the presentation, as people saw how easy it is to navigate through the virtual mine site and how accurately the equipment and stockyard are depicted. The value of being able explore the true environment, as opposed to relying on 2D schematics, had enormous appeal.
The opportunity to rapidly prototype and deploy a real-world solution made for a challenging and fun weekend. It was good to interact with other teams who work with different technologies and to network with local talent.
