Robotics & Automation News

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Mining

ABB to implement gearless mill drive service program at Codelco copper mines in Chile

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ABB and Codelco are revealing details about their latest collaboration to optimize the Chilean state-owned copper mining company’s maintenance program.

With Chile currently the world’s largest copper producer, this latest long-term service agreement (LTSA) encompasses maintenance, remote diagnostics and skills training to enhance the performance of its gearless mill drive (GMD) systems.

Integrated into ABB’s advanced cloud-based platform, GMD Connect, this will support a combined copper production of around 400,000 metric tons per annum. [Read more…] about ABB to implement gearless mill drive service program at Codelco copper mines in Chile

Exclusive interview with Nokia: The rise of automation and robotics in mining transportation

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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. [Read more…] about Exclusive interview with Nokia: The rise of automation and robotics in mining transportation

ABB demonstrates robot charging solution for mining trucks

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ABB is currently at MINExpo 2024 to showcase a new technology demonstrator developed to enable safe and efficient, high-power charging in the journey towards the all-electric mine of the future.

eMine Robot Automated Connection Device (ACD) is designed to work in tandem with the ABB eMine FastCharge solution, allowing further interoperability and synergy of connections and interfaces in electric mining trucks.

As a founding member of the CharIN taskforce for electrical standards in mining, ABB is working to accelerate the adoption of electrical interface soluti

[Read more…] about ABB demonstrates robot charging solution for mining trucks

Komatsu and ABB collaborate through open electrification platform

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Komatsu and ABB have signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement to jointly develop and bring to market integrated solutions that will help move net zero emissions for heavy industrial machinery a step closer to reality.

The two global leaders will leverage industry expertise and equipment in a bid to create world-class interoperability, ranging from renewable energy generation to fully electrified mining equipment, for customers. through an open platform.

Multinational company Komatsu is known as one of the world’s largest providers of construction and mining machinery and will now link up with global leader ABB for its expertise and technologies for automation and electrification. [Read more…] about Komatsu and ABB collaborate through open electrification platform

Stratom to showcase autonomous mining systems at industry event

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Stratom is showcasing how its autonomous cargo and material movement, autonomous mobile robots and robotic refueling solutions are set to fill critical gaps in mining operations at booth #1551 at the ongoing MINEXCHANGE 2024 SME Annual Conference & Expo, in Phoenix.

While the mining industry has recently increased its implementation of large autonomous mining systems like haul trucks and drill rigs, many small yet vital tasks remain unaddressed due to various complexities.

MINEXCHANGE visitors can explore how Stratom leverages autonomy and robotics to tackle these overlooked processes, enhancing safety and productivity in the face of a growing labor shortage and increasingly demanding mine environments. [Read more…] about Stratom to showcase autonomous mining systems at industry event

ABB completes testing of robotic system for inserting charges in boreholes in mines

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ABB says it has “successfully completed” testing of the industry-first automated robot charging technology for underground mines in partnership with mine operators Boliden and LKAB.

The goal is to make mines safer by automating one of few manual processes left in mining: charging the blasting holes with explosives.

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. [Read more…] about ABB completes testing of robotic system for inserting charges in boreholes in mines

Drilling company Nabors fully automates existing land rig with first-of-its-kind robotics module

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Nabors Industries has launched its Canrig Red Zone Robotics (RZR) Rig Floor Module, a modular rig upgrade that automates routine drilling activities.

Nabors retrofitted an existing rig – X29 – with RZR (pronounced razor) and has successfully drilled multiple horizontal wells for ExxonMobil in the Permian Basin.

In 2021, Nabors and ExxonMobil proved fully automated land drilling is possible with Nabors’ newbuild R801 robotic drilling rig. Now, the companies have advanced to the next phase of their collaboration to validate the use of modular rig retrofits as a viable path to scale drilling rig automation. [Read more…] about Drilling company Nabors fully automates existing land rig with first-of-its-kind robotics module

Caterpillar claims ‘world’s largest’ number of autonomous trucks

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Industrial vehicles manufacturer Caterpillar claims it now has the largest number of autonomous trucks in operation anywhere in the world.

The company calls it “a significant milestone”, adding that it has “long been recognized as the industry leader” in autonomous vehicle implementation.

Caterpillar says the achievement is “exciting” not only for the mining industry, but also its customer base as it looks to expand its autonomous technology offerings into quarry and aggregates and construction industries’ product lines with competitive offerings. [Read more…] about Caterpillar claims ‘world’s largest’ number of autonomous trucks