The teams of engineers and scientists conducting work on robotics applications for mining employ their diverse backgrounds for advanced, innovative technical development. The goals of the robotics program are to develop and apply cost-effective, reliable robotic technology to sectors of the mining industry that need improvement in worker safety, energy efficiency, labor requirements, and production. This is accomplished through collaboration with private industry, universities, and other government research facilities.
Activities in the robotics and automation areas include the research and development of systems, field deployment, and consultant services. The designation of the technology to a particular application allows for specializing of the instrumentation. However, the broad-spectrum approach adopted within the mining program for applied technology allows for the transfer of technology from one application to another, resulting in nearly limitless benefits from the research. Some of the current robotics projects are solving problems in areas such as materials handling, remote investigation, and equipment automation. The objective of many of the projects is to develop control systems that reduce operator demand and reduce or eliminate personnel exposure to hazardous environments
Featured Project:
- Contact:
- Robert Neilson, (208) 526-8374, Send E-mail