Normet Xrock® Automation - Scalable Solutions for Breaker Boom Control
The mining industry is evolving rapidly, with automation playing a critical role in improving safety, efficiency, and operational uptime.
Optimizing safety, efficiency, and productivity
The Xrock Automation Platform is a modular, upgradable system that enhances breaker boom operations at different levels of automation. Whether managing a single boom remotely or overseeing an entire fleet, Xrock optimizes rock-breaking processes to minimize downtime, reduce equipment wear, and increase productivity.
Single boom operation – Local or remote-controlled precision
For sites requiring precise and reliable manual control, Xrock offers an advanced video-assisted remote-control system that allows operators to manage a single boom safely from a distance. This system includes high-quality video feeds from up to four cameras, with optional audio support for a more immersive operational view. The ergonomic operator station provides a comfortable, fatigue-free working environment, while accurate manual boom operation ensures precision in rock-breaking.
To enhance operational accuracy and minimize downtime, the system features an online collision prevention system that actively monitors boom movements, preventing damage to the breaker, surrounding infrastructure, and walls. A smart video tracking system automatically adjusts the camera view to keep the breaker in focus, improving rock-breaking accuracy and allowing operators to instantly switch between predefined camera angles for rapid access to critical views.
Light curtains further improve safety by creating a virtual barrier around the boom’s working area. These barriers restrict personnel access and provide real-time alerts if a worker or vehicle approaches the danger zone, significantly enhancing on-site protection.
To further improve efficiency and reduce wear on equipment, automated functions assist the operator by calculating real-time boom position and allowing for single-button movement to predefined work or park positions, minimizing unnecessary impact on structures. A specialized control mode for breaker tip movement allows for more intuitive operation, shortening training times and reducing human error.
By enabling rock-breaking during idle periods such as blasting cycles and shift changes, this level of automation maximizes operational hours, keeping production flowing even when personnel would traditionally be unavailable. The modular design allows for seamless retrofitting with the latest features, ensuring continuous improvement without requiring major system overhauls.
Single boom operations:
- Local or remote-controlled precision with video-assisted operation.
- High-quality video feeds (up to four cameras) with optional audio.
- Collision prevention to protect equipment and infrastructure.
- Smart video tracking for automatic breaker focus and fast camera angle switching.
- Light curtains for virtual safety barriers and real-time personnel alerts.
- Automated boom positioning and breaker tip control for reduced wear and easier operation.
Fleet operation – Multi-boom control for increased efficiency
For mining operations looking to scale their efficiency, Xrock allows a single operator to remotely manage multiple booms across different areas of the mine, eliminating the need for dedicated personnel at each unit. A single operator station can monitor and control two to four booms, while multiple stations can be networked to provide backup and ensure continuous operation. The system supports a maximum fleet of up to 15 operator stations and 50 breaker booms, allowing for extensive scalability.
The online collision prevention system and smart video tracking extend to multi-boom control, reducing the risk of equipment damage and improving operational accuracy across all connected booms. Operators can seamlessly switch between booms and quickly access essential surveillance views through predefined camera angles, enhancing both safety and situational awareness.
Light curtains also play a critical role in multi-boom setups by enforcing safety perimeters around each working area, restricting access and providing real-time alerts when personnel or vehicles approach. This added layer of protection, combined with centralized operation, not only reduces labor costs but also significantly improves operator awareness and minimizes the likelihood of accidents.
The modular and upgradable nature of Xrock Automation platform means that the system can be retrofitted with advanced features as they become available, ensuring long-term adaptability and future-proofing your mining operations.
Multi-boom operations
- Centralized control for 2-4 booms per station; supports up to 15 stations and 50 booms.
- Seamless boom-switching with predefined surveillance views.
- Networked operator stations for redundancy and continuous operation.
- Fleet-wide collision prevention and smart video tracking for accuracy.
- Light curtain safety across all boom zones for enhanced protection.
Smart control for any breaker boom
Xrock Automation isn’t limited to Xrock pedestal booms—it’s a flexible, stand-alone solution that integrates with other breaker boom systems to improve safety, efficiency, and operational control. It also connects seamlessly with existing mining technology ecosystems.
Whether you’re modernizing current equipment or upgrading to advanced automation, Xrock’s modular platform delivers compatible technology for any brand or model of pedestal boom.
A Future-Proof Automation Platform
The Xrock Automation platform is designed for seamless integration into existing mining infrastructure, enabling a gradual transition from remote control to advanced fleet management. Its modular architecture allows for easy retrofitting, ensuring that operations can be upgraded with the latest features and technological advancements without requiring a complete system overhaul. Whether deployed as a turnkey system with an operator station or as modular components tailored to site-specific needs, Xrock delivers optimized productivity, reduced downtime, and enhanced safety for both underground and surface mining operations—today and in the future.
Xrock is committed to advancing mining through innovative automation technologies that improve safety, efficiency, and operational intelligence. By continuously developing and integrating new solutions, Xrock helps mining operations optimize performance, minimize human exposure to risk, and increase productivity.
With a focus on innovation and adaptability, Xrock Automation provides smart, scalable systems designed to meet the evolving needs of the mining industry. By enabling safer and more efficient processes, Xrock supports the long-term sustainability and technological advancement of modern mining operations.