ROBOMINERS

Name: ROBOMINERS – Resilient Bio-inspired Modular Robotic Miners
Program: H2020-SC5-2018-2; SC5-09-2018-2019, New solutions for the sustainable production of raw materials
Grant Agreement number: 820971
Website

ROBOMINERS designed and developed a bio-inspired robot-miner for small and difficult to access deposits. The aim of the project was to create a prototype robot that is capable of mining underground, underwater or above water, and that can be delivered in modules to the deposit via a large diameter borehole. Powered by a water hydraulic drivetrain and artificial muscles, the robot has high power density and environmentally safe operation. Situational awareness and sensing are provided by novel body sensors, including artificial whiskers that merge data in realtime with production sensors, optimising the rate of production and selection between different production methods.

ROBOMINERS delivered proof of concept (TRL-4) of the feasibility of this technology line that can enable the EU have access to mineral raw materials from otherwise inaccessible or uneconomic domestic sources.

LPRC led WP8 – Active Roadmapping and coordinated efforts to deliver a proper plan for the future of the ROBOMINERS technology line. LPRC developed tailored solutions to identify emerging innovations in raw materials technologies that are likely to produce the greatest economic and social benefits. The LPRC team also contributed to dissemination and communication activities and, adding to these, also co-organized a series of workshops with relevant stakeholders and experts.

For more information please contact Luís Lopes at luislopes_at_lapalmacentre.eu.