Sandvik introduces iNav total station navigation for tunneling drills

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is introducing iNav total station, the latest solution in automating drill rig navigation for tunneling drills. This new capability is an accurate, more efficient and user-friendly way to determine the position of underground drills in mines or tunnels where GPS is not available.

With iNav total station, the operator can command the total station device directly from the onboard user interface in the drill cabin. The illustrative view displayed on the drill rig interface helps the operator confidently verify that the rig has been positioned accurately before commencing drilling. This new method streamlines operations by enabling the operator to handle the navigation independently, even without prior surveying expertise.

“The introduction of iNav total station will increase productivity and streamline operations by integrating the steps in the navigational process,” said Sirpa Launis, Product Manager for Tunneling Drills, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. “Utilizing total station measurement, Sandvik iNav is the most accurate positioning method in underground operations. When we combine iNav navigation and the boom positioning accuracy of Sandvik i-series drill rigs we have a supreme package for efficient, economical excavation.”

The total station device is controlled directly from the drill rig via Bluetooth® connectivity and is compatible with Sandvik DrillConnect app. Sandvik DrillConnect enables the easy transfer of fixed-point coordinates directly from the surveyor’s computer to the drill’s onboard system. It additionally facilitates the transfer of these coordinates to and from other drill rigs in the fleet, ensuring efficient data sharing and operational flexibility.

iNav total station is an optional feature available on Sandvik DT923i, Sandvik DT1132i and Sandvik DT1232i tunneling jumbos and can be retrofitted to units already in operation. The new package includes iNav software and Bluetooth® connectivity and requires a Leica total station, Leica wall prisms and GeoCOM Robotics license for full operation.

For further information, please contact:
Sirpa Launis
Product Manager - Tunneling Drills, Underground Drilling
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
Email: sirpa.launis@sandvik.com

Sandvik Group
Sandvik is a global, high-tech engineering group providing solutions that enhance productivity, profitability and sustainability for the manufacturing, mining and infrastructure industries. We are at the forefront of digitalization and focus on optimizing our customers’ processes. Our world-leading offering includes equipment, tools, services and digital solutions for machining, mining, rock excavation and rock processing. In 2024 the Group had approximately 41,000 employees and revenues of about 123 billion SEK in about 150 countries within continuing operations.

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is a business area within the Sandvik Group and a global leading supplier of equipment and tools, parts, service, digital solutions and sustainability-driving technologies for the mining and construction industries. Application areas include rock drilling, rock cutting, loading and hauling, tunneling and quarrying. In 2024, sales were approximately 64 billion SEK with about 17,000 employees.