The Elements of Innovation Discovered
The Elements of Innovation Discovered
Metal Tech News - December 2, 2024
Universal Field Robots has developed a robust automation platform that is compatible with a broad range of range of equipment types and manufacturers.
Sandvik's AutoMine platform allows operators to simultaneously control and monitor multiple underground and surface mining machines from the comfort and safety of a remote control room.
To expand upon the capabilities and compatibility of its already world-leading AutoMine mining automation platform, Sandvik has acquired Universal Field Robots (UFR), a fast-growing Australia-based provider of autonomous interoperable solutions for the surface mining and underground mining markets.
In recent years, Sandvik has significantly grown its portfolio of tele-remote, semiautonomous, and fully autonomous underground mining equipment and remote operating systems.
Sandvik's AutoMine platform allows operators to simultaneously control and monitor multiple underground and surface mining machines from the comfort and safety of a remote control room.
The Swedish mining equipment and tech company offers its mining clients autonomous solutions that extend from the entry-level AutoMine Tele-Remote solution, which allows an operator to control a single machine from a safe and comfortable office setting on the surface to AutoMine Core, a comprehensive platform introduced by last year to support customers ramping up to fully autonomous block caving and other bulk tonnage underground operations.
Built on a common autonomy platform, the technology developed by CFR is expected to broaden AutoMine's applications.
Compatible with a broad range of trucks, loaders, excavators, and auxiliary equipment across all brands, the autonomy solution developed by CFR is expected to have an outsized impact on Sandvik that belies the relatively small size of the Australian mining tech company with roughly 40 employees and $7 million (80 million Swedish Krona) in revenue.
By onboarding the cutting-edge technology developed by UFR engineers, Sandvik will be able to offer its AutoMine clients more flexibility to optimize the performance of their full mining equipment fleets, regardless of who manufactured the equipment.
"Universal Field Robots is an important strategic addition to Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, which will strengthen our growth potential and provide key capabilities in the development of our mining automation solutions portfolio going forward," said Sandvik President and CEO Stefan Widing.
With the Dec. 2 completion of the acquisition, UFR is being added to the Digital Mining Technologies division of Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions.
With more than 16 years of covering mining, Shane is renowned for his insights and and in-depth analysis of mining, mineral exploration and technology metals.
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