Collaborative Robots and the Future of Iron Ore Mining
OVERVIEW
The future of iron ore mining will extensively feature Collaborative Robots ("Cobots"), bringing a paradigm shift in the industry. Cobots improve operational efficiency, decrease costs, and help mitigate the risks associated with occupational hazards in the mining industry.
ROLE OF COLLABORATIVE ROBOTS IN IRON ORE MINING
Collaborative Robots (Cobots) are designed to work hand-in-hand with human operators, increasing productivity and safety. In iron ore mining, it is anticipated that over 50% of operations can be automated with Cobots by 2030, which could result in a 20% increase in overall productivity. These robots are also expected to reduce operational costs by 30%, a significant saving in a sector where cutting costs is a priority.
IMPACT ON OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS
Mining operations come with inherent risks. According to a 2018 study, the mining industry experiences an annual accident rate of about 4.2 per 100 miners. Implementing safety-obsessed Cobots can potentially reduce these rates, not only by assuming dangerous tasks but by ensuring rigorous safety standards. Further, Cobots can operate in harsher conditions without the risk of health issues or fatigue, offering an all-around safer mining environment.
COST-EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY IN OPERATIONS
Automating mining operations with Cobots can drastically cut costs and increase efficiency. Cobots can continue operations 24/7 without fatigue, and their likeliness to commit errors is significantly less than humans, which in turn can result in fewer hours wasted correcting mistakes. McKinsey reports that Cobots can contribute to improved operational efficiency, positing a 15-20% reduction in waste.
FUTURE-PROOFING IRON ORE MINING
As technology progresses, iron ore mining must keep pace or risk becoming obsolete. Mining automation, specifically with Cobots, is a solution that offers longevity and future-proofing. It is estimated that the mining automation market will reach $3.29 billion by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 6.77% from 2017.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Collaborative Robots could automate 50% of iron ore mining operations by 2030, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity. • Implementing Cobots in mining operations could reduce operational costs by 30%. • By assuming dangerous tasks, Cobots can potentially curb the mining industry's annual accident rate of 4.2 accidents per 100 miners. • Cobots can result in fewer hours wasted correcting mistakes, reducing waste by 15-20%, according to McKinsey. • The mining automation market is expected to reach $3.29 billion by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 6.77%.
3Laws Robotics Solution
By developing innovative software to enhance the safety and reliability of robotic systems, 3Laws Robotics is rising to satisfy the demand for certified Cobots in the mining industry. 3Laws' software, 3Laws Supervisor, is built on Control Barrier Functions (CBFs) technology that ensures mathematically provable safety.
3Laws has demonstrated impressive results across diverse industries, including a 40% efficiency gain for an autonomous forklift customer. Furthermore, 3Laws' proactive approach enables safe, uninterrupted operation of robots near humans, honing to the growing need for Cobots. The company's reactive collision avoidance capabilities enable robots to effectively navigate unpredictable environments, minimizing operational downtime and enhancing efficiency.
The adaptability of 3Laws' software across a range of robotics platforms, including mobile robots, cars, drones, manipulators, and its compatibility with popular robotics middleware makes it a potential game-changer in next-generation safety solutions. Above traditional e-stop methods, 3Laws offers a proactive approach that unlocks the potential of robotics with dynamic, predictive safety, abiding by ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262 regulations.