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Professor Ross McAree
Professor

Ross McAree

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+61 7 334 67823

Overview

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

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.

Works

Search Professor Ross McAree’s works on UQ eSpace

119 works between 1990 and 2024

41 - 60 of 119 works

2012

Journal Article

A multiple level of detail approach to the tactical movement problem

Beasley, Peter and McAree, P. R. (2012). A multiple level of detail approach to the tactical movement problem. International Journal of Automation Technology, 6 (6), 749-756. doi: 10.20965/ijat.2012.p0749

A multiple level of detail approach to the tactical movement problem

2012

Conference Publication

Characterization of a UWB transceiver for mining applications

Edgar, Michael, Aw, Jonathan, Dudley, John, Marley, Roger, Reid, Anthony, Smith, Zane, Taylor, Adrian and McAree, Ross (2012). Characterization of a UWB transceiver for mining applications. 2012 Australian Mining Technology Conference, Perth, Australia, 8-10 October 2012. Brisbane, Australia: Colourwise Digital.

Characterization of a UWB transceiver for mining applications

2012

Conference Publication

Towards a reference architecture for mining automation

Dudley, John, Palmer, Lachlan and McAree, Ross (2012). Towards a reference architecture for mining automation. 2012 Australian Mining Technology Conference, Perth, Australia, 8-10 October 2012. Brisbane, Australia: Colourwise Digital.

Towards a reference architecture for mining automation

2012

Conference Publication

A linear relaxation solution of the Tactical Movement Problem

Beasley, Peter and McAree, P. Ross (2012). A linear relaxation solution of the Tactical Movement Problem. 25th IEEE\RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS), Algarve, Portugal, 07-12 October 2012. Piscataway, NJ, United States: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. doi: 10.1109/IROS.2012.6385760

A linear relaxation solution of the Tactical Movement Problem

2012

Conference Publication

The tactical movement problem: solution by linear relaxation

Beasley, Peter M. and McAree, Peter R. (2012). The tactical movement problem: solution by linear relaxation. 2012 Australian Mining Technology Conference, Perth, Australia, 8-10 October 2012. Brisbane, Australia: Colourwise Digital.

The tactical movement problem: solution by linear relaxation

2012

Conference Publication

Pose verification for mining automation applications

Green, Matthew, Ridley, Alexander and McAree, Peter R. (2012). Pose verification for mining automation applications. 2012 Australian Mining Technology Conference, Perth WAPerth, Australia, 8-10 October 2012. Brisbane, Australia: Colourwise Digital.

Pose verification for mining automation applications

2012

Conference Publication

An evaluation of ranging sensor performance for mining automation applications

Phillips, Tyson, Hahn, Martin and McAree, Ross (2012). An evaluation of ranging sensor performance for mining automation applications. 2012 Australian Mining Technology Conference, Perth, WA, Australia, 8-10 October 2012. Brisbane, Qld., Australia: Colourwise Digital.

An evaluation of ranging sensor performance for mining automation applications

2011

Other Outputs

Method for position-calibration of a digging assembly for electric mining shovels

McAree, Peter R., Reid, Anthony, Siegrist, Paul M. and Austin, Kevin J. (2011). Method for position-calibration of a digging assembly for electric mining shovels. US8515708B2 (Grant).

Method for position-calibration of a digging assembly for electric mining shovels

2011

Other Outputs

Skills Development for a Low Carbon Econom - Mining. A report prepared for the Mining Industry Skills Centre.

McAree, Peter Ross and Dudley, John (2011). Skills Development for a Low Carbon Econom - Mining. A report prepared for the Mining Industry Skills Centre.. Spring Hill, QLD, Australia: Mining Industry Skills Centre.

Skills Development for a Low Carbon Econom - Mining. A report prepared for the Mining Industry Skills Centre.

2010

Other Outputs

Real time method for determining the spatial pose of electric mining shovels

McAree, Peter R. and Reid, Anthony (2010). Real time method for determining the spatial pose of electric mining shovels. US8571762B2.

Real time method for determining the spatial pose of electric mining shovels

2010

Other Outputs

Collision avoidance for electric mining shovels

McAree, Peter R. (2010). Collision avoidance for electric mining shovels. US8346512B2.

Collision avoidance for electric mining shovels

2010

Other Outputs

Automation For Success

Dudley, John James, McAree, Peter R. and Lever, Paul J. A. (2010). Automation For Success. Brisbane QLD Australia: Cooperative Research Centre for Mining (CRCMining); Mining Industry Skills Centre.

Automation For Success

2010

Conference Publication

Trade-level skills formation to support automation in the mining industry

Dudley, John, McAree, Peter R., Lever, Paul J.A., Jones, D. and Sprigg, M. (2010). Trade-level skills formation to support automation in the mining industry. Sustainable Mining 2010- The Business Case, Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, 17-19 August. Carlton, Victoria, Australia: Visual Image Processing.

Trade-level skills formation to support automation in the mining industry

2010

Journal Article

Functional safety: an indispensible prerequisite for mining automation

McAree, P. R. (2010). Functional safety: an indispensible prerequisite for mining automation. Australasian Mine Safety Journal, 3 (1), 24-24.

Functional safety: an indispensible prerequisite for mining automation

2010

Conference Publication

Underground collision avoidance: From technology to solution

Dudley, John and McAree, Peter R. (2010). Underground collision avoidance: From technology to solution. 2010 Australian Mining Technology Conference: "Technology changing the mining business footprint", Perth, WA, Australia, 13-15 September 2010. Pinjarra Hills, QLD, Australia: CRCMining.

Underground collision avoidance: From technology to solution

2010

Conference Publication

Swing trajectory control for large excavators

Denman, A., McAree, P.R., Kearney, M., Reid, A. and Austin, K. (2010). Swing trajectory control for large excavators. The 7th International Conference on Field and Service Robotics, Cambridge, MA, United States, 14-16 July 2009. Berlin, Germany: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-13408-1_36

Swing trajectory control for large excavators

2010

Conference Publication

The tactical movement problem

Beasley, Peter M. and McAree, Peter R. (2010). The tactical movement problem. 2010 Australian Mining Technology Conference, Perth, WA, Australia, 13-15 September 2010. Pinjarra Hills, QLD, Australia: CRC Mining.

The tactical movement problem

2009

Other Outputs

Payload estimation system and method

McAree, Peter Ross and Wauge, David Herman (2009). Payload estimation system and method. US 2009/0187527 A1.

Payload estimation system and method

2009

Conference Publication

Robust control correction synthesis: A set-theoretic approach

Rakovic, S., Kearney, M. and McAree, P. R. (2009). Robust control correction synthesis: A set-theoretic approach. The 7th IEEE International Conference on Control and Automation, Christchurch, New Zealand, 9-11 December 2009. New York, United States: IEEE. doi: 10.1109/ICCA.2009.5410428

Robust control correction synthesis: A set-theoretic approach

2009

Conference Publication

Range sensor pose estimation

Williams, I., Upcroft, B., Denman, A., Reid, A. and McAree, P.R. (2009). Range sensor pose estimation. Australian Mining Technology Conference, Brisbane, Victoria, Australia. Pinjarra Hills, Qld, Australia: CRC Mining.

Range sensor pose estimation

Funding

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2025
    Semi Autonomous Bulldozers for Mine site Rehabilitation
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer (Trailblazer University Program administered by Curtin University)
    Curtin University
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    Electric Rope Shovel ("ERS") Operator Assist - Machine Self Protection
    Caterpillar Inc
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 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
  • 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

Supervision

Availability

Professor Ross McAree is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Media

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

Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au