Future Mining Robots Empowered by Ely Keskus and the EU

We are thrilled to share the remarkable success story of AutoJoe®, our cutting-edge mobile robot designed for the challenging environments of the mining industry. This transformative journey has been made possible through the generous support of Ely Keskus and the European Union under the “Uudistuva ja osaava Suomi 2021–2027” program.

 

The Electric Evolution Unveiled:

AutoJoe®, initially a prototype, has undergone a groundbreaking transformation, elevating it to the status of a market-ready product. At the heart of this evolution is the significant advancement in its electrical system, positioning AutoJoe® as a frontrunner in the fully electric and mining robot sector.

 

Gratitude to Ely Keskus and the European Union:

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ely Keskus for their unwavering support and belief in our vision. The financial backing received has played a pivotal role in propelling AutoJoe® from a working prototype into a ready for the market robot. Equally, we express our sincere thanks to the European Union for their commitment to fostering innovation and progress in the field of robotics.

Mining Robots

Mining the Future: A Robotic Revolution for Sustainable Industry and Healthy Miners

In the heart of innovation lies a transformative force reshaping the very essence of mining—an industry historically known for its grit, challenges, and profound impact on the environment. As we stand on the cusp of a new era, envision with us a future where mining and robotics converge to herald a wave of sustainability, efficiency, and improved miner well-being.

 

Unleashing the Power of Robotics:

Picture this: a legion of robots, equipped with cutting-edge technology, seamlessly navigating the intricate labyrinths of mines, tirelessly performing tasks deemed too risky or arduous for humans. The symphony of whirring gears and precision-engineered movements replaces the clinking of pickaxes, as a fleet of robots collaboratively extracts minerals from the depths of the Earth.

Environmental Stewardship:

At the heart of this revolution is a commitment to environmental stewardship. Robotics bring precision to mining operations, significantly reducing waste and minimizing the ecological footprint. 

Reducing Environmental Impact:

Gone are the days of indiscriminate excavation. Robots, guided by sophisticated sensors and artificial intelligence, carefully select and extract minerals, minimizing disturbances to the natural landscape. The result? A mining process that is not only efficient but environmentally conscious, contributing to a sustainable and responsible industry.

 

A Healthier Tomorrow for Miners:

As we usher in this era of robotic mining, we simultaneously bid farewell to the inherent risks and health hazards faced by miners in traditional practices. No longer will they be exposed to hazardous conditions deep within the Earth. The era of sending humans into harm’s way for high-risk tasks is evolving into a new paradigm—one where robots shoulder the burden of danger.

Robotic Taskforce:

Imagine robots braving the challenges of inhospitable environments, venturing into the deepest recesses of mines to perform tasks like rock drilling, explosives handling, and gas detection. These machines, unencumbered by the limitations of human physiology, work tirelessly to ensure the safety of the mining operation.

Preserving Human Health:

With the introduction of robotic taskforces, miners are liberated from the shackles of strenuous physical labor and exposure to hazardous elements. The toll on physical health is significantly reduced, leading to a workforce that is not only safer but also more resilient and focused on higher-value activities.

Human-Machine Collaboration:

Contrary to replacing humans, these robotic advancements create a harmonious dance of human-machine collaboration. Miners become operators and overseers of this robotic workforce, guiding and managing the operation from a safe distance. This symbiotic relationship ensures that the human touch, expertise, and decision-making prowess remain integral to the mining process.

Shaping a Sustainable Mining Legacy with Oinride’s Innovation

As we revel in the vision of a mining industry transformed by the marriage of technology and sustainability, Oinride stands at the forefront, pioneering a future where innovation intertwines seamlessly with responsibility. Our mining robot, AutoJoe®, epitomizes this vision. A tireless champion in the subterranean realm, AutoJoe® represents the vanguard of Oinride’s commitment to sustainable mining practices. With its robotic prowess, it ventures into the depths, alleviating miners from perilous tasks and redefining the landscape of mining operations.

 

In the harmonious hum of AutoJoe’s electric engines, we find more than just a revolutionary mining solution. We discover a symphony of sustainability, efficiency, and improved miner well-being. And as we stand on the precipice of this transformative journey, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ely-Keskus for being the catalyst that ignited this spark of innovation. Their support has propelled us into uncharted territories, enabling Oinride to take the first resounding step towards a mining legacy that is not just groundbreaking but also environmentally conscious and human-centric.

 

Together, hand in hand with Ely-Keskus, we embark on a journey where every revolutionizing turn of AutoJoe’s wheels echoes a commitment to a sustainable mining future. Oinride invites you to join us in this expedition, where technology and responsibility converge to shape a legacy that transcends mining’s traditional boundaries.

The success of this groundbreaking project not only marks the dawn of a new era in mining but also paves the way for the next phase of innovation. As we celebrate the achievements of AutoJoe® in assisting miners and revolutionizing the industry, we look forward to the next milestone: AutoJoe evolving into a fully autonomous marvel. This journey  is made possible by the visionary support of Ely-Keskus, who stood with us in the first phase, laying the foundation for a future where technology, sustainability, and human welfare coalesce in perfect harmony.

Projects and complementary funding - PoliceEtusivu - ely - ELY-keskus

Mining robots are helping in making mining a safer place

Mining robot AutoJoe

Mining industry is a dangerous and labor-intensive industry. In the United States, about 1,000 people die in mines each year. Accurate numbers are more difficult to find in a global context, but some sources estimate that up to 12,000 miners die each year in mining accidents, mostly in coal mines.

While statistics are readily available from places in the western hemisphere, the African continent records the worst safety incidents and fatalities in underground mining. A study by Human Rights Watch has investigated that poor health and safety standards, including inadequate ventilation are the leading cause of serious health and lung diseases. A snippet of the HRW 122 page report, “Copper production carries serious health and safety risks from mining through processing and smelting. Underground copper mining is particularly dangerous, with at least 15 recorded fatalities in Zambia every year since 2001.” Anti-union activities, threats of job loss, and underreporting of fatalities are all commonplace and in breach of Zambia’s national laws and international labour standards. These are only example of the violations that occur in the mining industry.

Thankfully, advancements in technology and automation have provided miners with improved livelihoods and a safer working environment. Electric mobile robots can help make it a safer and more efficient place for miners. These robots can be used to perform a variety of tasks, from surveying and mapping to drilling and blasting. They can also be used to transport materials and equipment, as well as to monitor and inspect mining sites.

Mining Robots - AutoJoe
Mining Robots – AutoJoe, a six-wheeled mobile robot in underground mine

Robots are having a major effect on the mining industry, with self-driving ore-carrying trucks and deep-sea mining robots taking the place of humans. These automated machines are saving lives, increasing efficiency, and could open up new possibilities for mineral extraction. It is essential for mining companies to recognize the importance of robots and their potential for the future.

Oinride’s AutoJoe robot is a six-wheeled, fully electric, compact robot designed to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in the mining industry. AutoJoe can be programmed to follow safety protocols and to avoid hazardous areas. It can also be used to detect and report any potential hazards, such as gas leaks or unstable ground. Thus help in reducing the risk of accidents and injuries, as well as to improve the overall safety of the mining site.