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/ Nutrien
Human Machine Interface and Teleremote Design
Screen with display the Human Machine Interface

/ Overview

Nutrien, a global leader in crop solutions, partnered with zu to research, prototype and design a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and teleremote control station for its Sandvick MF420 Borers. These concepts were created to empower internal Nutrien operators to safely control equipment from surface-based environments, enhancing productivity and reducing risks in high-stakes mining operations.

/ Services

Strategy & Research

  • UX Research & Engagement
  • Proof of Concept
  • Rapid Prototyping
  • Workshop Facilitation
  • Heuristic & Usability Testing

Experience Design

  • UX & UI Design
  • Concept Design
  • Product Design
  • Information Architecture
  • Design System

/ Outcomes

27%
Decrease in injuries in high-risk mining environments
51%
Reduction in fatality rates in high-risk mining environments
52%
Improvement in Lost-Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR)
18%
Decrease in equipment damage
29%
Productivity increases through better monitoring and response

*based on average teleremote benefits in the mining industry.

A woman giving a presentation to a group.
A group of men brainstorming at a table.
A woman demonstrating something on a whiteboard to a group of people.

/ Solutions

Human Machine Interface (HMI)

Built in close collaboration with operators the redesigned HMI transformed how users manage’s underground equipment by simplifying complex data into clear, actionable insights. Standardized layouts and intuitive controls reduced cognitive overload, improving safety, usability, and decision-making in challenging environments.

Teleremote Surface Control Station

Designed for surface-based operations, the teleremote control station empowered operators to safely control equipment from outside the mine. By incorporating operator feedback, the system delivered a seamless remote experience with ergonomic workstations and sensory feedback that maintained confidence and precision. This innovation reduced on-site risks while enhancing operational efficiency.

An operator wearing a hard hat using the interface at a control station.
An operator standing at the control station wearing safety clothing.
An image of an operator control room with devices and chairs.
“

The goal of our automation program has always been, and continues to be, safety. It wasn’t just about implementing technology but about our own employees collaborating and finding innovative solutions to help make our mines safer. Technology offers great solutions for this. By combining these elements, I believe this is where true success comes in.

Trevor Berg
Senior Vice President
Potash Operations

“

Reaching this milestone feels incredible, and I’m really excited to see where we go from here. I’ve worked around the network of mines for the last 14 years, and this tele-remote and AMO project is one of the best collaborations I have been a part of at Nutrien. The progress we’ve made is remarkable, and I look forward to what’s next.

Michael Siourounis
Continuous Improvement Lead
Nutrien (Allan)

/ Case Studies

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