Professor Ross McAree
Professor

Ross McAree

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+61 7 334 67823

Background

Professor Ross McAree is Head of the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering at the University of Queensland. His research interests are focused on machinery dynamics and control with a current emphasis on mining equipment automation.. Professor McAree led the development and demonstration of the world’s first fully autonomous mining excavator as the outcome of a 10year collaboration with Joy Global Surface Mining (now part of Komatsu) and has collaborated with Caterpillar Inc. to develop and trial the world’s first autonomous bulldozer capable of production dozing using the ‘pivot push’ method. From 2007-2015 Professor McAree held an industry funded (P&H) Chair in Mechanical Engineering and from 2009-2015 he was Vice President for Automation and Automation Program Leader with the Cooperative Research Centre for Mining. He has attracted in excess of $12M dollars of Category 1-3 and $8.5M of Category 4 funding has contributed to the winning of two CRC bids (CRCMining and CRCMining2) for a total of $35.2M funding. He established the Mechatronic Engineering Plan at UQ in 2002. He has given leadership to his School as Chair of Research Committee (2009-2015) and Teaching and Learning Committee (2015-2017). Significant external service includes serving as Chair for the Australian Academy of Science National Committee on Mechanical Sciences (2001-2006) and as the Australian representative to the International Federation of Mechanism and Machine Theory (2001-continuing), Associate Editor for journal ‘Mechatronics’ (1999-2011) and member of Australian Standards Committees ME-27 and IT-06P. Professor McAree is a fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE).

Availability

Professor Ross McAree is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Autonomous vehicle systems Control engineering, mechatronics and robotics Dynamics, vibration and vibration control Engineering

Research impacts

Professor McAree's research group have been involved in the development of several automation technologies for the mining sector which have been commercialized. The outputs have been estimated to have had benefit to the global mining industry of in excess of $1000m.

Search Professor Ross McAree’s works on UQ eSpace

120 works between 1990 and 2024
All (120) Journal Article (46) Book Chapter (5) Conference Publication (55) Other Outputs (14)

21 - 40 of 120 works

2017

Journal Article

Three new Iterative Closest Point variant-methods that improve scan matching for surface mining terrain

Donoso, F. A., Austin, K. J. and McAree, P. R. (2017). Three new Iterative Closest Point variant-methods that improve scan matching for surface mining terrain. Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 95, 117-128. doi: 10.1016/j.robot.2017.05.003

Three new Iterative Closest Point variant-methods that improve scan matching for surface mining terrain

2017

Journal Article

Common factors in the implementation of new technology in the mining industry

Job, Andrew Todd and McAree, Peter Ross (2017). Common factors in the implementation of new technology in the mining industry. AusIMM Bulletin (June 2017), 24-26.

Common factors in the implementation of new technology in the mining industry

2017

Conference Publication

Three case studies on the implementation of new technology in the mining industry

Job, Andrew and McAree, Peter R. (2017). Three case studies on the implementation of new technology in the mining industry. Iron ore 2017, Perth WA, Australia, 24-26 July 2017. Perth WA, Australia: AusIMM: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

Three case studies on the implementation of new technology in the mining industry

2017

Book Chapter

From MRAC to learning-based MPC: the emerging importance of machine learning for control of robot manipulators

Soltani Naveh, K. and McAree, P. R. (2017). From MRAC to learning-based MPC: the emerging importance of machine learning for control of robot manipulators. Adaptive control for robotic manipulators. (pp. 1-28) edited by Dan Zhang and Bin Wei. Boca Raton, FL, United States: CRC Press. doi: 10.1201/9781315166056

From MRAC to learning-based MPC: the emerging importance of machine learning for control of robot manipulators

2017

Journal Article

When the dust settles: the four behaviors of LiDAR in the presence of fine airborne particulates

Phillips, Tyson Govan, Guenther, Nicky and Mcaree, Peter Ross (2017). When the dust settles: the four behaviors of LiDAR in the presence of fine airborne particulates. Journal of Field Robotics, 34 (5), 985-1009. doi: 10.1002/rob.21701

When the dust settles: the four behaviors of LiDAR in the presence of fine airborne particulates

2017

Conference Publication

Real time shovel-mounted coal or ore sensing

Job, Andrew, Edgar, Michael and McAree, Peter R. (2017). Real time shovel-mounted coal or ore sensing. Iron ore 2017, Perth WA, Australia, 24-26 July 2017. Perth WA: AusIMM.

Real time shovel-mounted coal or ore sensing

2017

Journal Article

How do ICP variants perform when used for scan matching terrain point clouds?

Donoso, F. A., Austin, K. J. and McAree, P. R. (2017). How do ICP variants perform when used for scan matching terrain point clouds?. Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 87, 147-161. doi: 10.1016/j.robot.2016.10.011

How do ICP variants perform when used for scan matching terrain point clouds?

2016

Other Outputs

Shovel Load Assist Project - ACARP Project Report C16031

Dudley, John James and McAree, Ross (2016). Shovel Load Assist Project - ACARP Project Report C16031. Brisbane Qld Australia: ACARP (Australian Coal Industry Research Program).

Shovel Load Assist Project - ACARP Project Report C16031

2016

Journal Article

Is it what I think it is? Is it where I think it is? Using point-clouds for diagnostic testing of a digging assembly's form and pose for an autonomous mining shovel

Phillips, T. G., Green, M. E. and McAree, P. R. (2016). Is it what I think it is? Is it where I think it is? Using point-clouds for diagnostic testing of a digging assembly's form and pose for an autonomous mining shovel. Journal of Field Robotics, 33 (7), 1013-1033. doi: 10.1002/rob.21643

Is it what I think it is? Is it where I think it is? Using point-clouds for diagnostic testing of a digging assembly's form and pose for an autonomous mining shovel

2015

Other Outputs

Dragline Automation System: Optimal Excavation Sequencing - ACARP Project Report C23033

Austin, Kevin John, Green, Matthew and McAree, Ross (2015). Dragline Automation System: Optimal Excavation Sequencing - ACARP Project Report C23033. Brisbane Qld Australia: ACARP (Australian Coal Industry Research Program).

Dragline Automation System: Optimal Excavation Sequencing - ACARP Project Report C23033

2015

Journal Article

An Adaptive Structure Filter for Sensor Registration from Unstructured Terrain

Phillips, T. G., Green, M. E. and McAree, P. R. (2015). An Adaptive Structure Filter for Sensor Registration from Unstructured Terrain. Journal of Field Robotics, 32 (5), 748-774. doi: 10.1002/rob.21562

An Adaptive Structure Filter for Sensor Registration from Unstructured Terrain

2015

Conference Publication

Receding horizon collision avoidance for large excavators

Kearney, M. P., Smith, Z. V. and McAree, P. R. (2015). Receding horizon collision avoidance for large excavators. 2015 IFToMM World Congress, Taipei, Taiwan, 25-30 October 2015. Taipei, Taiwan: Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University. doi: 10.6567/IFToMM.14TH.WC.OS13.028

Receding horizon collision avoidance for large excavators

2014

Other Outputs

Collision avoidance system and method for human commanded systems

McAree, Peter R. and Kearney, Michael (2014). Collision avoidance system and method for human commanded systems. US13883617.

Collision avoidance system and method for human commanded systems

2014

Journal Article

Longwall shearer cutting force estimation

Reid, A. W., McAree, P. R., Meehan, P. A. and Gurgenci, H. (2014). Longwall shearer cutting force estimation. ASME Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement, and Control, 136 (3) 031008, 031008. doi: 10.1115/1.4026326

Longwall shearer cutting force estimation

2013

Other Outputs

Shovel Load Assist project: C16031

Reid, A. W., Smith, Z. V., McAree, P. R., Cloete, S. and Horberry, T. (2013). Shovel Load Assist project: C16031. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP).

Shovel Load Assist project: C16031

2013

Other Outputs

Minimal Perception Requirements to Support Effective Remote Control of Bulldozers (ACARP Project C20021)

Dudley, John James, Aw, Jonathan and McAree, Peter Ross (2013). Minimal Perception Requirements to Support Effective Remote Control of Bulldozers (ACARP Project C20021). Brisbane Qld Australia: ACARP (Australian Coal Industry Research Program).

Minimal Perception Requirements to Support Effective Remote Control of Bulldozers (ACARP Project C20021)

2013

Conference Publication

Design and construction of a scale robotic excavator work-cell to test automated excavation algorithms

Beasley, Peter and McAree, P. Ross (2013). Design and construction of a scale robotic excavator work-cell to test automated excavation algorithms. IEEE/ASME International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics: Mechatronics for Human Wellbeing, Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 9-12 July 2013. Piscataway, NJ, United States: IEEE. doi: 10.1109/AIM.2013.6584222

Design and construction of a scale robotic excavator work-cell to test automated excavation algorithms

2013

Conference Publication

Pose verification for autonomous equipment interaction in surface mining

Green, Matthew E., Ridley, Alexander N. and McAree, P. Ross (2013). Pose verification for autonomous equipment interaction in surface mining. 2013 IEEE/ASME International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics, Woolongong, NSW, Australia, 9-12 July 2013. Piscataway, NJ, United States: IEEE Xplore. doi: 10.1109/AIM.2013.6584257

Pose verification for autonomous equipment interaction in surface mining

2013

Book Chapter

Developments in open cut mining

Dight, P. M., Douglas, B., Henley, K., Lumley, G., McAree, P. R., Miller, D., Saydam, S., Topal, E., Wesseloo, J. and Williams, D. J. (2013). Developments in open cut mining. Australasian mining and metallurgical operating practices. (pp. 47-80) edited by W. J. Rankin. Carlton, VIC, Australia: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

Developments in open cut mining

2013

Conference Publication

An evaluation of ranging sensor performance for mining automation applications

Phillips, Tyson, Hahn, Martin and McAree, Ross (2013). An evaluation of ranging sensor performance for mining automation applications. IEEE/ASME International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics: Mechatronics for Human Wellbeing, Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 9-12 July 2013. Piscataway, NJ, United States: IEEE. doi: 10.1109/AIM.2013.6584271

An evaluation of ranging sensor performance for mining automation applications

Current funding

  • 2022 - 2027
    Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer (Trailblazer University Program administered by Curtin University)
    Curtin University
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2024
    SATS Rehabilitation Collaboration
    Caterpillar Inc
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2025
    Semi Autonomous Bulldozers for Mine site Rehabilitation
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2024
    Command for Dozing Market Opportunity Analysis - Mine Rehabilitation in Queensland 2023 - 2033
    Caterpillar Inc
    Open grant
  • 2023
    Dozer Tactical Planner - Software Alignment
    Caterpillar Inc
    Open grant
  • 2023
    Caterpillar LiDAR testing in dust/fog conditions
    Caterpillar of Australia Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2024
    Autonomous Stockpile Dozing: Quantifying Viability
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2024
    Articulated Truck Automated System (ATAS 2022)
    Caterpillar Inc
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2023
    Dozer Tactical Planning
    Caterpillar Inc
    Open grant
  • 2021
    FMG Rail Mapper Handover
    Fortescue Metals Group Limited
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    Electric Rope Shovel ("ERS") Operator Assist - Machine Self Protection
    Caterpillar Inc
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2021
    FMG Port Hedland Train Terrain Project
    Fortescue Metals Group Limited
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2022
    Articulated Truck Automation System (ATAS) Phase 3
    Caterpillar Inc
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2022
    Excavation Sequencing Assist
    Caterpillar Inc
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2022
    SATS Automated Mission Planning (STAMP)
    Caterpillar Inc
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2021
    FMG Wheel Loader Performance Evaluation
    Fortescue Metals Group Limited
    Open grant
  • 2020
    Baraja Spectrum ScanTM dust and fog study
    Baraja Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    The autonomous excavator operator: road map and benefits
    Fortescue Metals Group Limited
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2021
    Dragline Excavation Sequencing - Toward a benefit
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2021
    Articulated Truck Automation System (ATAS) Phase Two
    Caterpillar Inc
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2022
    SATS Automated Mission Planner
    Caterpillar Inc
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2021
    Semi-autonomous Pivot Push: Autonomous Mission Planning
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Real-time mining face grade determination using hyperspectral imaging techniques.
    Mineral Research Institute Western Australia
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Automated Vehicle Tactical Planner (AVTP)
    Caterpillar of Australia Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Mine Tec IMU Fusion
    Caterpillar Inc
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Load Haul Dump Vehicle Bucket Pose Estimation
    Caterpillar Inc
    Open grant
  • 2017
    Vision guided robotic refuelling of haul trucks. Phase 4 - Site installation of the pose estimation system
    Mine Energy Solutions
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Traversability Graph Generation
    CMTE Development Limited
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Underground articulated vehicle navigation system
    CMTE Development Limited
    Open grant
  • 2017
    Construction Planning Application
    Caterpillar Inc
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Semi-Autonomous Tractor Productivity and Utilization Improvement Study at Wilpinjong Mine
    Caterpillar Inc
    Open grant
  • 2017
    Vision guided robotic refuelling of haul trucks. Phase Three - Increasing functionality of the pose estimation system
    Mine Energy Solutions
    Open grant
  • 2016
    Vision guided robotic refuelling of haul trucks. Phase 2 - Pose System Implementation
    Mine Energy Solutions
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2018
    Dragline excavation sequencing - Phase 2
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2016
    Vision guided robotic refuelling of haul trucks
    Mine Energy Solutions
    Open grant
  • 2015
    Underground node position engine
    Caterpillar of Australia Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Automated bulk dozer push: reducing the cost of overburden removal
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2022
    CRCMining 2014-2022
    CMTE Development Limited
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Dragline Optimisation System: Optimal Excavation Sequencing
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2014
    SLAP Phase 4: Truck loading at a press of a button
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Anglo American's 2030 Carbon Neutral Mine (CRC ORE project subcontract)
    Cooperative Research Centre for Optimising Resource Extraction Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2014
    CRC Mining ongoing funding
    Cooperative Research Centre for Mining
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Ross McAree is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Mission Planning for Autonomous Dozers

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Zane Smith

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Autonomous bulldozers for stockyard management

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Zane Smith

  • Doctor Philosophy

    ADVANCED AUTONOMY FOR UNMANNED VEHICLES

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Tyson Phillips

  • Doctor Philosophy

    ADVANCED AUTONOMY FOR UNMANNED VEHICLES

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Tyson Phillips

  • Doctor Philosophy

    ADVANCED AUTONOMY FOR UNMANNED VEHICLES

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Tyson Phillips

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Development of a smart spreader system

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Micah Nehring, Dr Tyson Phillips, Professor Peter Knights

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Development of a smart spreader system

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Micah Nehring, Dr Tyson Phillips, Professor Peter Knights

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Autonomous insect-machine hybrid robots

    Associate Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Mapping Unstructured Environments for Real-Time Pose Estimation using Multimodal Perception to Explore and Provide Trusted Autonomy

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Tyson Phillips

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Mapping Unstructured Environments for Real-Time Pose Estimation using Multimodal Perception to Explore and Provide Trusted Autonomy

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Tyson Phillips

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Ross McAree directly for media enquiries about:

  • Automation and autonomous systems
  • Autonomous mining equipment
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Mechatronic engineering
  • Safety related control systems
  • Societal consequences of automation

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