A worker remotely controls a rock drill, Shuangkouping Phosphate Mine, central China's Hubei Province, June 20, 2024. /CMG
In a significant advancement for the mining industry, China has unveiled the country's first intelligent rock-drilling robot, marking a pivotal step towards automated mining operations.
This groundbreaking technology, developed by the Xingfa Group, was recently put into operation at the Shuangkouping Phosphate Mine in central China's Hubei Province.
With a few nudges on the joystick and a few clicks on the mouse, a worker controlled the robot to precisely drill 53 holes, a bit like playing a video game.
This drilling process is much simpler and safer compared to previous methods, according to Li Daoyong, an employee at the Shuangkouping Phosphate Mine with over a decade of experience. "Initially, we had to drill manually, which was incredibly strenuous. We would sweat profusely, soaking our clothes."
"Then came the rock-drilling machines, which reduced physical exertion but demanded high concentration and precision to avoid errors," Li told CMG. "Now, with the introduction of the intelligent rock-drilling robot, we barely need to enter the mine. We can operate it remotely using a computer and a mouse, automating the entire process."
China's first intelligent rock-drilling robot operates autonomously at the Shuangkouping Phosphate Mine, central China's Hubei Province, June 20, 2024. /CMG
Rock drilling is the first and most crucial step in underground mining operations. Through five years of dedicated research and development, Xingfa Group has overcome critical challenges that have long plagued automated rock drills worldwide.
The advancements include satellite-aided positioning, high-precision scanning and millimeter-level error minimization. The engineers also applied joint wear correction technologies and integrated AI for unmanned operation.
As a result, the robot can self-position, communicate through a network, and autonomously scan the environment.
The robot enables a single operator to remotely control three or more drills simultaneously.
"These robots revolutionized our mining operations," stated Wang Song, technical director of the Shuangkouping Phosphate Mine. "We've transitioned from the traditional two-person-per-drill method to a system where two people can supervise three to four drills simultaneously."
"This enhanced efficiency, reduced manpower and also made the mine safer. We plan to replace all eight of our rock-drilling machines with robots this year, which is expected to reduce our workforce by 20 to 30 percent."
(Peng Zhao contributed to the story.)