"EuroChem" began to use a robot in mines

EuroChem introduced the use of robotic dogs in the mines of the Usolsky potash plant for monitoring and surveying mine workings. This became known at the end of June 2024 after the completion of successful tests of innovative equipment.

Testing of robotic software and hardware systems on walking and tracked platforms was carried out in order to assess their capabilities in underground mining conditions. The main task of self-propelled robotic systems is to examine the conveyor strike, including monitoring the condition of the roof and troubleshooting the operation of conveyor equipment.

source = Digital Technologies and Platforms

Dubbed Dobrynya, the robot dog is a Deep Robotics X20 self-propelled robotic platform. The device is able to move in autonomous mode along a predetermined route, as well as be controlled by the operator using a remote control.

Dobrynya is equipped with a complex of high-tech equipment, including Robosense lidar, a laser scanner, a video surveillance camera, a thermal imaging system, as well as temperature and humidity sensors. Additionally, the robot is equipped with gas analyzers for assessing the content of combustible gases - methane and hydrogen.

The use of a robot dog allows EuroChem specialists to conduct routine monitoring of working areas, assess the condition of the support and the position of the roof, as well as monitor the condition of the slurry pipeline used for hydraulic sealing of spent chambers.

The introduction of robotic systems is part of EuroChem's large-scale digitalization program aimed at improving the safety and efficiency of production management. The company is actively introducing solutions using artificial intelligence, audio and video analytics, as well as Internet of Things sensors.