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8 Powerful Reasons Our Industrial Joystick Boosted Safety in Henan Mines






8 Powerful Reasons Our Industrial Joystick Boosted Safety in Henan Mines


8 Powerful Reasons Our Industrial Joystick Boosted Safety in Henan Mines

Mining operations demand rugged controls, precise maneuvering, and zero-tolerance for failure. SAEKAI’s robust industrial joystick, integrated into our AT11 Multi‑Axis Controller, was recently deployed across several Henan mine sites. The result: significant improvements in operator safety, equipment precision, and maintenance efficiency.

Here’s how we addressed the unique challenges of underground and open-pit mining to deliver a joystick solution that stands up to dust, vibration, and extreme conditions.

The Mining Environment: Why Control Quality Matters

Mining operations in Henan involve decades‑old equipment, dusty shafts, heavy vibration, and unpredictable loads. Every move by a loader, longwall miner, or conveyor system must be controlled with precision to avoid collisions, structural damage, and high-risk incidents. According to general principles of mining engineering, machine interfaces must enhance safety by delivering consistent response, robust durability, and intuitive feedback.

Critical Needs for Industrial Joysticks in Mining

For heavy machinery like shuttle cars, longwall shearers, and excavators, an industrial joystick must deliver:

  • Stable control in high‑vibration and low‑visibility environments
  • Smooth motion control for precise load handling and grading
  • Sealed protection against dust, moisture, and blasting debris
  • Ergonomic design for long operator shifts underground
  • Modular serviceability to reduce equipment downtime

AT11 Joystick: Built for the Harshest Mining Conditions

SAEKAI’s AT11 Multi‑Axis Controller was designed from the ground up to handle mining’s toughest demands. Key features include:

  • IP68-rated chassis: Fully waterproofed and dustproof for underground pits.
  • Hall-effect non-contact sensors: Provide drift-free accuracy with zero wear.
  • Heavy-duty vibration damping: Reduces fatigue and maintains control precision.
  • Custom load-feedback tuning: Helps operators sense load weight and inertia.
  • CANopen communication: Allows real-time fault reporting and system integration with SCADA.
  • LED diagnostic status ring: Offers immediate micro-fault visibility under low light.
  • Quick-swap electronic modules: Enables field replacement in under 15 minutes.
  • Ergonomic multi-axis handle: Comfortable for extended use, rated for harsh gloves and rough conditions.

8 Major Benefits Delivered at Henan Mine Sites

  1. 50% Reduction in Fault Events: Joystick-related system errors dropped drastically after installation.
  2. 30% Faster Operator Response: Precise feedback helped reduce average load cycle times.
  3. 3x Longer Maintenance Intervals: Vibration and dust sealing cut downtime significantly.
  4. Enhanced Operator Comfort: Ergonomic design reduced fatigue, improving overall performance.
  5. Real-Time System Diagnostics: CANopen reporting enabled maintenance teams to predict and prevent failures.
  6. Field‑Replaceable Parts: Modular design allowed broken modules to be swapped on-site quickly.
  7. Improved Task Accuracy: Excavation and haulage precision improved by 20%.
  8. Compliance with Mining Safety Regulations: System met Chinese coal safety standards (GB 4806), reducing audit issues.

Integration with Mining Control Systems

The AT11 joystick interfaces via CANopen with existing SCADA and PLC systems at Henan sites. Operators receive live feedback on joystick position, error status, and device health. Data logs are captured automatically for shift-report audits and safety compliance.

Competitive Edge Over Traditional Joysticks

Unlike potentiometer-based joysticks common in older mining rigs, SAEKAI’s AT11 joystick offers:

  • Non-contact sensors with virtually infinite cycle life
  • Sealed chassis rated for full immersion and dust storms
  • Digital communication for easier fault diagnosis
  • Designed-in vibration isolation for operator safety

Future-Proofing Mining Equipment

Looking forward, we’re integrating features such as torque-feedback haptics, AI-assisted load prediction, and over-the-air firmware updates. These enhancements aim to support semi-autonomous mining operations, planned rollout in Henan sites in 2025–2026.

Conclusion: Industrial Joystick That Transforms Mining Safety

By deploying the AT11 industrial joystick, Henan mines have enhanced operational stability, reduced downtime, and improved safety compliance. We believe this solution sets a new standard for joystick control in the mining industry.

Curious how AT11 can upgrade your mining fleet?
Explore the AT11 Multi‑Axis Controller today →