Robotics & Automation News

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ABB provides automation and electrification planning for new mine in Sweden

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Nordic Iron Ore has appointed industrial automation company ABB to scope process control and management systems for a future-proof and fully-digitalized mining operation at the Blötberget iron ore mine.

ABB has provided mine design consultancy and recommended scope of supply for the opening of the former Blötberget mine near Ludvika in the Dalarna region of Sweden.

The mine, which has been closed since 1979, is being redeveloped by mining company Nordic Iron Ore and is transitioning from study phase towards construction. [Read more…] about ABB provides automation and electrification planning for new mine in Sweden

China launches robot to collect space debris and mine asteroids

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A Chinese startup company called Origin Space has launched a prototype robot designed to collect space debris and eventually mine asteroids while in low-Earth orbit.

The Neo-01 robot was launched on the Chinese state-backed rocket Long March recently, and weighs about 30 kg. The system will use a net to catch debris.

Satellites of all kinds – military and civilian – have been launched in their thousands in the past few decades. And when these become obsolete, they just end up floating in space, accounting for a large portion of the debris floating around in space above Earth’s atmosphere. [Read more…] about China launches robot to collect space debris and mine asteroids

Komatsu to supply 37 autonomous trucks to Brazil mine

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Komatsu says it has been contracted to supply 37 autonomous trucks to a mine in Brazil – the Carajás mine owned by Vale, a Brazilian mining company wth annual revenues of around $34 billion. 

The Carajás mine is said to be the largest mine in Vale’s 77-year history. The company says it is on a drive to leverage innovative technology to “reduce impact on the environment and enhance health, safety and operational efficiency”.

The 37 Komatsu vehicles are its 930E ultra-class electrical dump trucks (main picture), and they will form part of an Autonomous Haulage System at the Vale mine. [Read more…] about Komatsu to supply 37 autonomous trucks to Brazil mine

Competition to mine outer space could change mining industry on Earth

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For the past eight years, Nasa has been running a competition to find the team that can develop the best robotic systems to mine the moon. 

This year’s winners were announced recently, and Nasa gave out prizes and commendations for about 10 teams.

The discoveries made those 10 teams and all the others that entered the competition may end up in the mining industry here on Earth, long before they even take off for the moon.  [Read more…] about Competition to mine outer space could change mining industry on Earth

Volvo claims to be ‘first in the world’ with self-driving truck in underground mine

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Swedish automaker determined to take the lead in autonomous car technology

Volvo’s fully autonomous truck is the first in the world to be tested in operations deep underground in the Kristineberg Mine, in Sweden, according to the company.

The self-driving truck is part of a development project aimed at improving the transport flow and safety in the mine.

The truck will cover a distance of 7 kilometres, reaching 1,320 metres underground in the narrow mine tunnels.  [Read more…] about Volvo claims to be ‘first in the world’ with self-driving truck in underground mine