IoT at gold mine

3D laser scanner / truck weight key data

Client: Friedrich Telematik in Germany, newTelematics (Burkina Faso)
Website: www.Friedrich-Telematics.de
Consultant: Antennity (Harald Naumann) – connectivity architecture, Starlink recommendation
IoT application: Lorry load inspection with 3D volume measurement and weight recording
Wireless technology used: Starlink at Lorry load inspection
Frequency range: Downlink (satellite → antenna): 10.7–12.7 GHz (or, more specifically, 10.95–12.7 GHz), Uplink (antenna → satellite): 14.0–14.5 GHz
Antenna types: Antenna array by Starlink
Task: Consultinh on connectivity architecture, Starlink recommendation

System Overview

High-precision laser measurement system for automatic, dynamic lorry volume measurement whilst in motion. Used for stones, sand, ore, and timber products.

Measurement Principle:

2× 2D Laser Scanners: One measures load cross-section, one tracks lorry position
Camera: Captures number plates for data assignment
Process: Lorry measured empty and full; difference gives exact load volume

Measurement Procedure (Ore & Gold)

Weigh (empty): Lorry weighed, number plate recorded
Scan (empty): 3D scanner measures empty load bed volume
Weigh (loaded): Loaded lorry weighed
Scan (loaded): 3D scanner measures loaded volume
Calculate: Density = weight / volume; metal content estimated (Gold: 19,3 g/cm³)

Key Technical Data

Parameter	Specification
Scanner Type	2× 2D laser (dynamic) or 1–2× 3D laser (static)
Accuracy	approx. 98% (variance ±2%)
Measurement Time	approx. 10 seconds
Temperature Range	−25 °C to +50 °C
Interface	Ethernet TCP/IP
Power Supply	230 V AC

Note: Tolerance varies with rock moisture and metal content.

System Components

Truck Weighbridge: For empty and laden weights
Metal Frame: Support structure for 3D scanner (drive-through)
Control Cabinet: PC/software for data processing
Camera: Weatherproof number plate recognition

Antennity’s Role

Antennity (Harald Naumann) designed the connectivity architecture:

Connectivity Analysis: Evaluated 4G/5G vs. satellite (LEO) for Burkina Faso
Technology Recommendation: Starlink selected for required upload bandwidth
System Integration: Ensured reliable data transmission from scanner, camera, and weighbridge

Why Starlink?

Conventional satellite (VSAT/GEO) offers only 1–5 Mbps upload—too slow for 3D point clouds and camera images. Starlink (LEO) provides:

Parameter	Value	Project Relevance
Download	50–250 Mbps	Remote maintenance, dashboard access
Upload	10–30 Mbps	Critical: Scanner data + camera images
Latency	25–60 ms	Real-time processing

A 1080p camera image needs 1–2 Mbps; 3D scanner data 0,5–5 Mbps per measurement. With 10–30 Mbps upload, multiple measurement points can operate in parallel.

Data Flow

Acquisition: 3D scanners and camera capture volume and number plates
Pre-processing: Local PC/PLC calculates volume, assigns number plates
Transmission: Data packet (volume, weight, image, number plate) sent via Starlink router
Analysis: Central software calculates density and metal content, displays on dashboard

Starlink connects the remote mine in Burkina Faso to the head office or cloud for further processing.

Technical Classification

Antennity has demonstrated that satellite IoT (NTN, Non-Terrestrial Networks) is suitable not only for simple telemetry (e.g., GPS trackers) but also for data-intensive applications like 3D measurement systems. The combination of local measurement technology and satellite-based connectivity enables deployment in regions without mobile network coverage.

Optimise Your Industrial IoT Communication

Are you struggling with similar challenges in your industrial environment? Our experts can help you find the optimal connectivity solution. Contact us today for a consultation. Together, we will increase the performance and reliability of your wireless IoT devices.