OffWorld Signs MOU, Aims Smart Robots For Autonomous Excavation

First steps toward achieving autonomous industrial mining.

At the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh to take first steps toward achieving autonomous industrial mining by exploring the potential of utilising smart robots in Ma’aden’s mines.

The promise of these robotic mining swarms will usher in a new era of zero-carbon footprint mining with no people in harm’s way and revolutionise the processing of the minerals in the mine itself, according to the report.

Jim Keravala, OffWorld Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, said, "OffWorld is developing the world’s most rugged industrial swarming robots that are able to operate in the frigid cold of the tundra and the scorching heat of the desert."

"We are excited to be working with such a progressive company as Ma’aden, which is dedicated to building the mines of the future while leading the way with action. This generation’s obligation to care for our planet’s needs while striving to provide for humankind calls for bold leadership and a commitment to make positive change on a grand scale. We are honoured to take this journey together with Ma’aden.

According to Hamad Al-Rashidi, Ma’aden Senior Vice President of Safety, Sustainability, and Innovation, the mining industry has lagged in fully unlocking the capabilities of emerging technologies.

The world can't afford for the mining industry to keep using old methods that put workers in dangerous conditions and move millions of tonnes of waste that doesn't need to be moved.

"Ma’aden intends to lead the way by leveraging technological advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence to achieve fully autonomous mining,"  he added.