Sandvik and Acconeer receive research grant for material classification

Companies joining forces to develop material classification system for rock crusher conveyor belt applications 

SANDVIK and Acconeer, a leading manufacturer of chip-based, ultra-low-power radars, have been awarded a grant of SEK3.5 million from Sweden’s Innovation Agency, Vinnova, for a project that aims to use radar sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve material classification.

To capture the full potential of a production process, monitoring and collecting insights on the material flow between various equipment, such as crushers and screens, is crucial. In order to detect and analyse parameters such as particle size distribution and volume flow, the use of radar offers a promising alternative to 2D and 3D cameras.

By joining forces with Swedish radar-manufacturer Acconeer, Sandvik’s aim is to develop a material classification system for rock crusher conveyor belt applications using Acconeer’s new radar sensor – while leveraging AI and machine learning algorithms to improve classification of measurements.

‘We are proud and excited to have received this grant, and to work alongside Acconeer with their groundbreaking radar solutions. Together, we have the opportunity to provide our customers with even better operational insights in the future, while improving both the efficiency and reliability of their equipment,’ said Johan Östergren, director connectivity, IoT and digital Innovation at Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions.

The project is scheduled to begin next month (September 2024) and be finalized during the second half of 2026.