Testing of unmanned vehicles in the Arctic will begin at the end of 2022

2022: Announcement of unmanned vehicle testing in the Arctic

On April 26, 2022, VEB Ventures announced that ARMZ Mining Machines and Numa Robotix will create a testing ground for robotic mining equipment in the Arctic. During the work, specially designed algorithms will be tested for orientation in conditions of poor or zero visibility.

As reported, the parties plan to jointly develop technologies for the operation of robotic mining equipment in extreme Arctic conditions, as well as test these technologies at a specialized landfill, which will be deployed on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago at the site of the lead-zinc ores deposit. The program will involve specialized mining equipment on a rigid frame with a carrying capacity of 90 tons.

The companies said that it is planned to begin testing at the landfill at the end of 2022. The project is designed for three years. The development of this field is part of the state strategy for the development of the Arctic.

Testing will test the operation of orientation systems that do not depend on technology, landscape or climatic conditions.

The development of unmanned vehicles and their testing in extreme conditions is at such a level that it can not only be used to transport goods off public roads, which will reduce costs by 10-15% compared to manned analogues, but will also contribute to the development of mining in permafrost conditions. The use of autonomous transport is another step towards the robotization of the Arctic, which can optimize the coefficient of mineral extraction by 10-30%. And the reduction in the cost of mining will be up to 50%. According to our data, the use of robotic mining equipment can reduce labor costs by 80% and can increase the efficiency of transporting rock mass by 20%. commented on the signing of the agreement Oleg Teplov, CEO of VEB Ventures

This is a project that allows you to increase competencies in the field of robotics, which can subsequently give an impetus to the development of unmanned mining in difficult weather conditions. We will combine our competencies in the development and implementation of solutions for remote control and autonomous operation of mining equipment. noted Igor Semenov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ARMZ Mining Machines

We are talking about a training ground in the Arctic, where test operation of autonomous transport will be carried out. Our key task is to work out the technology in conditions of extremely low temperatures, in conditions of thick fog and heavy snowfalls, which make it difficult for autonomous transport sensors to work. We plan to organize the transportation of autopsies on three dump trucks with the participation of excavators and other auxiliary equipment. told details Alexey Yakovenko, CEO of "Figure Robotix"

The parties agreed to inform each other about the latest developments, exchange information on opportunities and technologies, receive advice for obtaining expertise and analysis of projects. All this will help to create and develop our own competencies for the development and operation of unmanned technologies (including lidars) of the international level with the possibility of exporting our technologies abroad, proving their reliability.

Unmanned technologies will be especially relevant in those industries where paying for human labor and providing jobs require a lot of resources. The wage fund for some enterprises can be reduced by five times.

A typical example of the effectiveness of autonomous transport in the mining industry can be seen in Chile. There, the first 18 unmanned dump trucks began work at the mines back in 2008, the penetration of robotic equipment into mining metallurgy increased from year to year. As a result, the share of mining in the country's GDP reaches almost 20 percent (increased from 8% in 2001). As of April 2022, only about 60 thousand people work in this industry (less than 1% of the able-bodied population), and salaries in the industry are twice the average level.

In addition, the use of autonomous transport in the Arctic will increase pollution control and reduce the amount of household waste.

The agreement responds to the statements of the President of the Russian Federation on the need to continue the development of the Arctic zone. In April 2022, Vladimir Putin demanded not to postpone Arctic projects in connection with the geopolitical situation.