Developed in the UK, the new shield control technology allows communication at higher speeds with greater processing power. RS20S uses the same control functionality and control algorithms as the RS20 but is much slimmer and more compact.

The system is comprised of the 'mimic unit,' which is the operator interface, and the microprocessor, which can be located anywhere on the roof support in a protected location. This is in response to a need among operators for less equipment on the face.

Joy UK product electronics manager Dave Smith said the new development was underpinned by a massive jump in technology, making the RS20s so much more powerful than RS20.

“We're building a system now that we know is going to last for 10-15 years. We simply can’t afford to keep introducing systems every five years. This is our big effort to get systems that can keep going for some time,” Smith said.

“We’re putting a lot of smarts in here to accommodate future developments, a lot of which is not available yet. We’ll be rolling out a lot of exciting developments, such as video and integrated voice communications, but this will be the backbone,” he said.

Smith said electronics are typically the last thing to be installed on a roof support.

“We decided we want to design an electro-hydraulic roof support, not a roof support that has electro-hydraulics. The RS20s helps us do that.”

Another advantage is the use of a common four wire cable, interchangeable between all peripheral units. This improves cable management and reduces damage.

The system is supplied with a library of over 100 different face cutting methods. RS20s can be retrofitted to any shield fitted with a Joy hydraulic system the company said.