Once famous for its iconic mobile phones, Nokia has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades.
Now a global leader in network infrastructure, the Finnish company provides critical connectivity solutions that power everything from 5G communications to industrial automation.
At the forefront of this evolution is David de Lancellotti, vice president of CNS enterprise campus edge sales at Nokia, who plays a key role in enabling digital transformation across industries – especially those traditionally seen as slow to innovate.
In this exclusive Q&A for Robotics & Automation News, de Lancellotti discusses how automation, robotics, and advanced networking technologies are reshaping mining transportation.
While mining is often viewed as a legacy heavy industry, it is undergoing rapid change as companies adopt autonomous haulage systems, robotic drilling rigs, and drone-based monitoring to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
From self-driving trucks that navigate rugged terrains using artificial intelligence, to predictive maintenance systems powered by machine learning, the mining sector is fast becoming a proving ground for industrial digitalization.
Nokia’s expertise in building secure, high-performance private wireless networks is a critical enabler of this shift, ensuring that autonomous systems can communicate reliably in even the most remote and demanding environments.
In the conversation below, de Lancellotti highlights the growing importance of Remote Operation Centers, the role of real-time data in reducing emissions, and the challenges companies face as they modernize their transportation and maintenance systems.
He also explores how automation can support environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals by optimizing resource use and reducing carbon footprints.
As this interview makes clear, the mining industry is not just digging deeper into the Earth – it’s also digging deeper into digital transformation, and Nokia is helping lead the way.
Interview with David de Lancellotti, VP of CNS enterprise campus edge sales at Nokia
Robotics and Automation News: What impact is digitalization having on the mining sector?
David de Lancellotti: Although the mining sector has traditionally been regarded as an old-fashioned heavy industry, ongoing digitalization efforts are already having an impact.
Looking at transportation processes specifically, technological innovations are not only increasing productivity, but improving sustainable practices.
Automation and robotics are playing key role and are becoming increasingly important for companies to remain competitive, adaptable and resilient in the face of changing challenges and market demands.
R&AN: What benefits do automation and robotics bring to the mining and transportation industries?
DdL: Automation and robotics are driving a revolution in Autonomous Haulage Systems (AHS), with autonomous vehicles, especially trucks, at the forefront of this transformation.
These self-driving vehicles, equipped with advanced sensors, GPS and artificial intelligence (AI), navigate complex mining environments, optimize routes and operate without human intervention.
Autonomous trucks enhance safety and boost productivity by removing human operators from potentially hazardous situations through longer operating times and streamlined transport cycles.
There are several advantages of AHS, including a positive impact on productivity. Continuous operation and optimized haulage cycles lead to higher material movement when compared to manual operations.
Automation also helps to reduce costs. Lower fuel consumption, optimized maintenance schedules and reduced labor costs contribute to significant operational savings. Lastly, automation and robotics enhance safety.
When human drivers are removed from potentially hazardous environments, the risk of accidents and injuries is significantly reduced.
R&AN: How are robotics and automation enhancing drilling and excavation processes in mining?
DdL: Robotic drill rigs and excavators equipped with advanced sensors and control systems are improving the accuracy and efficiency of these critical mining operations.
Automated drilling systems work with high precision, optimize drilling patterns and minimize deviations. This improves the quality of the blasted material, reduces the need for re-drilling and increases overall productivity.
Similarly, robotic excavators can work continuously, even in adverse conditions, improving the speed and consistency of material extraction.
R&AN: What role do drones play in modern mining operations?
DdL: Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are increasingly being used by mining organisations.
With high-resolution cameras and sensors, drones can monitor mining operations from the air in real time, enabling better monitoring and management of transportation activities.
Drones can inspect transportation routes, detect potential hazards and monitor traffic flow. They can also help inventory management by providing accurate volumetric measurements and tracking.
In addition, drones can be used in emergencies to quickly assess the situation and direct rescue efforts in case of accidents or equipment failure.
R&AN: How do Remote Operation Centers (ROCs) contribute to mining efficiency?
DdL: The increasing automation and robotics in mining transportation are accompanied by the development of Remote Operation Centers (ROCs).
These centralized control centers enable remote monitoring and control of autonomous vehicles and equipment, ensuring seamless integration and optimized performance.
ROCs provide a unified data aggregation, analysis, and decision support platform. By leveraging real-time data from multiple sources, including autonomous trucks, robotic equipment and UAVs, ROCs enable proactive management of mining transportation.
This includes optimizing fleet schedules, predicting maintenance requirements and responding quickly to anomalies or disruptions.
R&AN: How are automation, robotics, and digitalization transforming the maintenance and transportation systems in the mining industry?
DdL: Automation, robotics and digitalization are revolutionizing mining transportation systems by utilizing predictive maintenance powered by AI and machine learning (ML).
Sensors embedded in vehicles and infrastructure generate real-time data, which is analyzed to predict equipment failures, optimize load scheduling and make data-driven decisions.
These technologies help minimize downtime, maximize productivity and improve overall operations.
Additionally, remote operations centers enable centralized control, fleet optimization and real-time monitoring, ensuring seamless coordination and rapid response to disruptions.
R&AN: How does sustainability factor into the adoption of digitalization, automation, and robotics in the mining industry?
DdL: Sustainability is increasing front of mind for mining organizations and digitalization plays a key role in meeting ESG-related objectives.
Autonomous vehicles can optimize fuel consumption and reduce emissions, while robotic systems can minimize waste and improve resource utilization, leading to more sustainable mining operations.
Furthermore, the real-time data collected by these autonomous and robotic systems can be analyzed to optimize processes, identify bottlenecks and facilitate informed decision-making for continuous improvement.
R&AN: What are the main challenges in adopting automation and robotics in mining transportation?
DdL: Despite the numerous benefits, the widespread adoption of automation and robotics has been hindered for a number of reasons.
The first is that introducing these technologies requires significant upfront investment in equipment, software and infrastructure.
The second challenge is data security and connectivity, as reliable networks and robust cybersecurity measures are critical to these technologies’ effective and safe operation.
The third is workforce transition, i.e., the shift to automation requires the workforce to be trained and retrained to manage, operate and maintain these advanced systems.
However, the long-term benefits of embracing these technologies far outweigh the challenges. Automation and robotics improve operational efficiency and safety and contribute to the overall sustainability of mining operations.
By reducing energy consumption, minimizing emissions and optimizing resource utilization, these technologies align with the industry’s commitment to environmental protection.
