Robotics & Automation Awards 2023 winner ABB has successfully completed testing of an industry-first automated robot charging technology for underground mines in partnership with mine operators Boliden and LKAB.
The aim is to make mines safer by automating one of few remaining manual processes in mining: charging blasting holes with explosives.
According to ABB, which won the ‘Best Use of Robotics or Automation in Construction Award’ at Robotics & Automation Awards 2023 earlier this week, blasting schedules in underground mines can vary, but the process takes place up to 15 times per day in larger mines as miners expand the chambers to extract mineral and metal ores.
The ABB Robot Charger has been developed to automatically detect boreholes and fill them with charges without the presence of humans, removing the need for people to be near the unsupported rock face during blasting sequences.
The completed testing phase reportedly confirmed the effectiveness of integrating the robot charger with a carrier vehicle, communication with bulk emulsion and vision systems and incorporation of a second robot arm to assemble prime and detonator.
It is also said to have ensured full reach to all borehole levels and areas of the rock face and remote control for operators.
The programme is being undertaken at Boliden Garpenberg, which is one of the world’s most productive underground zinc mines and is located 180km (112 miles) northwest of Stockholm.
ABB is now embarking on the final stage of development, which aims to execute the full blasting sequence in the underground mine with full control of the robot handed over to the customer.
ABB has also started discussions with other mine operators to eventually join the co-development project, so that the technology can be tested in different mine environments and in regions beyond Northern Europe with varying climate and rock composition.
“This is a significant technology development for ABB and the wider industry where safety is part of overall ESG commitments,” said Vedrana Spudic, head of technology, business line mining, ABB.
“The robot locates the drilled holes on the rock face using a vision system, and these recent tests show all can be reached and charged with the cycle fully automated.
“This removes the need for human operators in a small, unsupported area right at the face.”
The technology includes vision systems and automation solutions to communicate with the truck, crane and ABB industrial robotic arm.
