BelSU scientists develop a robotic device aimed at improving mining safety

The scientists of BelSU Institute of Earth Sciences jointly with the technological partner Industrial Electronic Systems developed an automated measurement system for tracks levelling in a mine and building a mining excavation profile.

The prototype of the robotic device was produced in 2022 on demand of Yakovlevsky GOK of “Severstal” Company and demonstrated high quality characteristics during the tests. However, it did not provide for sufficient technical reliability.

As part of the project under “Prioritet-2030” Program, "Atlas" automated measurement system was designed in 2023, which significantly surpasses the prototype in terms of functionality. According to the project manager Ignat Ignatenko, the Head of the Department of Applied Geology and Mining Engineering, the result of the work of BelSU scientists and the industrial partner was a commercial sample ready to be put into mass production.

The “Atlas” system placed on the rails can be controlled remotely from an ordinary smartphone. While moving, it measures track width and rail gradients. The scanning system allows to build the excavation profile. The unique solution provided by the device consists its operation in the places with no access to satellite navigation.

According to Ignat Ignatenko, next year the system will be certified as a measurement tool and delivered for mass production.