Robotic Automation and the Future of Sand, Gravel, Clay, and Ceramic and Refractory Minerals Mining and Quarrying
Overview
The future of sand, gravel, clay, ceramic and refractory minerals mining and quarrying is set to be revolutionized by robotic automation. This guide offers an in-depth look into the subject, exploring different areas including the current state of automation in mining, the safety improvements propelled by robotics, how it impacts workforce and industry growth, and the emerging trends and opportunities.
Current State of Automation in the Mining Industry
Artificial intelligence and robotics are creating a significant shift in the mining industry. According to market research, the global mining automation market size was valued at USD 3.6 billion in 2017 and is expected to rise significantly. The mining industry was once regarded as hazardous and labor-intensive but, robotic automation is improving safety and efficiency. Robots in mining are being used to drill, excavate, and transport materials, significantly reducing the human input required.
Safety Improvements Powered by Robotics
The use of robotics in mining has led to dramatic improvements in worker safety. The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration reported a 35% decrease in mining-related injuries and fatalities from 2006 to 2013 due to automation and technology advancements in the industry. Robots are capable of operating under hazardous conditions, which greatly reduces safety risks for human miners who are prone to accidents and health problems such as lung diseases.
Impact on Workforce and Industry Growth
But with technological advances come concerns about job security. However, reports suggest that automation in mining will not necessarily lead to mass job loss. One estimate projects that while 40-80% of current mining jobs could be impacted by automation, only about 2-12% would be fully automated tasks. Still, robotic mining is expected to contribute directly to industry growth by streamlining operations, lowering costs, and improving output efficiency.
Emerging Trends and Opportunities
The increasing demand for minerals used in electronics and construction, paired with advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence, make for an optimistic future in mining. Predictions suggest that by 2025, there could be 50,000 robotic units in use worldwide in mining operations. New, more efficient robotic machinery such as autonomous drills and excavators are expected to fuel this growth and create new opportunities in the mining industry.
Key Takeaways
- Robotic automation is projected to significantly increase the value of the global mining automation market.
- Automation and technology advancements have led to safer working conditions in mining.
- Although a noticeable percentage of mining jobs will be affected by automation, the rise of robotic mining can contribute positively to industry growth.
- By 2025, mines worldwide could employ a substantial number of robotic units, changing the face of the mining landscape.
3Laws Robotics can support these use cases in numerous ways. Offering progressive software designed to boost the safety and reliability of robotics systems, 3Laws tackles the challenge of certification, a notable hurdle for robotics companies. 3Laws Supervisor, the company's flagship software, delivers robust safety features and clear evidence of system robustness that could smoothen the journey towards certification.
Built on the cutting-edge Control Barrier Functions technology from Caltech, its software provides mathematically provable safety. Not just confined to mining, 3Laws’ solutions cover diverse industries and applications including warehouse automation and dynamic environments, boasting a record of enabling a 40% efficiency gain.
The goal of 3Laws is to maximize operational efficiency by reducing downtime caused by unnecessary e-stops or collisions and assuring real-time safety guardrails. Compatible with popular robotics middleware such as ROS and ROS2, it can work with a wide array of platforms, confirming 3Laws as a next-generation safety solution that transcends traditional e-stops and furnishes predictive safety that can be certified for ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262.