Application of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics to Mining

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (Al) and Robotics technology have recently taken on an international flavour and become a significant topic in engineering research. Robotics has a great potential for assisting in the complex task of extracting and processing minerals from the ground. Just as the advent of computer technology has made a significant impact on computer aided design and planning, the advent of robotics will make a significant impact on the mining industry. This paper will provide an overview of the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence and robotics. The development of new theories and techniques and the potential of both these fields in mine design and planning are examined. A selection of areas for engineering applications of interest to the Canadian mining community are described.