New software update boosts productivity for SmartROC D50 DTH drill rigs

Epiroc is set to introduce a new software update for its SmartROC D50 surface drill rigs in the second half of 2025. The package, which brings new functions and features to the Rig Control System (RCS), enables savings through improved automation, better fuel consumption and lower maintenance.

The software rollout is expected in August, but one major European contractor is already reaping the benefits.

French drilling contractor, EPC France has tested Epiroc’s new RCS software 6.29.5  for SmartROC D50 drill rig owners and reports positive results. The package, to be introduced during August, was developed to boost the rig’s automation functions as well as energy efficiency and overall operating costs.

 

According to EPC Groupe, a company active in mining, quarrying, deconstruction and explosives manufacturing in 27 countries, it does just that, and more.

 

At present, EPC France operates four SmartROC drill rigs from Epiroc—one SmartROC D60 and three SmartROC D50s in four different locations across France. The fleet also includes several Epiroc FlexiROC units.

Unlocking new cost savings

 

After three months of testing the new software the SmartROC D50, EPC France reports significant improvements in performance, productivity and cost.

Says Technical Manager Régis Hutin,

 “We originally chose the SmartROC D50 for its HNS (Hole Navigation System) as we were getting more and more requests from clients for better precision in blast hole drilling. We soon found that the automation on this rig was also reducing costs by about 10 percent through less wear on rock tools and lower fuel consumption.

“This new software release makes it possible to get the compressed air to the hammer faster, which means the operator no longer has to manage the air flow. The air flow to the hammer is automatically regulated, ensuring that the hammer is optimized according to the rock condition.”

“We also experienced a reduction of about five percent in fuel consumption during the test period compared with the SmartROC rigs that were not equipped with the new software, and we predict an overall saving in operating costs of 15 to 20 percent a year which is a promising start.”

That translates into a promising start for EPC France's operators, too, says Jonathan Sequin, who has been operating the SmartROC D50 since May 2024.

Automatic air flow management system

 

Working mainly in the limestone quarries of Carrière de Dompierre and CBS in northern France, Sequin has clocked more than 700 hours with the SmartROC D50 drilling holes 17 m deep, 115 and 127 mm in diameter.

“For me, the main difference with this rig compared to the FlexiROC that I was trained on, is all the onboard systems and advanced technology, especially the HNS hole navigation. That really won me over because it gets you set up in exactly the right position. The auto mode is also great because it enables the rig to drill all by itself.

“With the new software it is even better, especially the automatic air flow management system, which means I don’t have to regulate it myself, and the lower fuel consumption.”

Comparing the old and the new

 

Other advantages of the SmartROC D50 says Régis Hutin,Technical Manager is that EPC France has achieved significant reductions in wear on rock tools.

“With the SmartROC D50, only one set of rods was worn out in the second year of use, whereas with the FlexiROC it was around two and a half rods. This means 50-60 percent less in tool consumption, which is a real gain for us.”  

The new RCS software 6.29.5 will be available for all SmartROC DTH drill rigs as of August 27 2025.