A major milestone has been reached in the field of intelligent mining equipment. WK has successfully deployed its newly developed intelligent remote-control system on an electric mining shovel, achieving ultra-low video latency of just 0.14 seconds.
During field trials, operators were able to control the shovel from a remote station located 5 kilometers away, while maintaining precise performance. The shovel completed a full “dig–dump–dig” cycle in 30 seconds, matching the efficiency and accuracy of on-site operation.
WK-35 electric rope shovel is among the models equipped with this system. On August 22, 2025, WK delivered two WK-35 shovels to a major state-owned enterprise in China. Both units were outfitted with WK’s self-developed 5G remote operation system for mining shovels, as well as high-sensitivity precision vibration monitoring and an intelligent health management system, further enhancing safety, reliability, and operational efficiency.
Industry experts note that the breakthrough addresses one of the long-standing challenges in remote mining equipment operation: real-time responsiveness. Traditionally, shovel operators work in harsh conditions with high noise, dust, and vibration. Remote operation not only reduces safety risks and improves working conditions, but also lays the foundation for future autonomous and cluster-based mining operations.
WK emphasized that the system will soon be rolled out to more open-pit mines, helping the sector achieve safer, more efficient, and smarter production. The achievement highlights China’s advancing capabilities in intelligent control systems and low-latency data transmission technologies, strengthening its role in driving the global mining industry toward digitalization and automation.
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