Inspection robots in hard coal mines

Abstract

The review of mining inspection robots designed for use in coal mines developed in different countries was performed. The functionality of the robots and – if available – their technical parameters were described. The designed was performed based on scientific articles and media coverage accompanying the most frequently mining disasters. Subsequently, the results were discussed the results of two projects accomplished in a consortium consisting of the Institute of Innovative Technologies EMAG and the Industrial Research Institute for Automation and Measurements PIAP, where two prototypes of inspection robots named Mobile Inspection Platform and Mining Mobile Inspection Robot designed for work in hazardous of explosion of methane and/or carbonaceous dust (group I of EN 60079-0) were created. The functionality of both robots was presented and the implemented legislative explosion proof techniques were given. Functional and traction testing carried out by mine rescuers were also discussed in Introduction.