ABB has achieved a safety breakthrough for underground mining by deploying an automated robot system for loading explosives. Developed jointly with Swedish firms Boliden and LKAB, the Robot Charger platform uses computer vision and robotic arms to handle the hazardous but crucial task of blast hole charging.

In mines, networks of blast holes drilled into rock are filled with explosives and detonated to fracture material for extraction. Currently, workers manually load each hole in hazardous proximate conditions. By autonomously undertaking this repetitive and dangerous job, Robot Charger aims to prevent serious injuries.

Mounted onto mining truck frames, the system employs cameras to map hole locations then uses dual robotic manipulators to distribute explosives emulsion, assemble detonators and insert priming. The entire charging process is handled remotely without workers present, protecting staff from rockfalls and detonation risks.

Successful large-scale trials at Boliden's Garpenberg zinc mine verified Robot Charger’s integration, vision accuracy and end-to-end loading abilities. Operators exercised full remote control, with the robot adjusting manipulator motions to securely fill holes.

Having proven the concept, ABB is preparing Robot Charger for commercial underground deployment. Through partnerships, the firm aims to validate and optimize the technology across diverse geographies and mining conditions globally.

By automating blast hole charging, Robot Charger tangibly demonstrates the capability of robotics to remove people from hazardous industrial workflows. As an autonomous platform tailored for the environment, it promises improved productivity and safety as mines modernize operations.