Mission accomplished

The K+S project team, led by Dr. Tobias Mathiak and Malena Figueroa Lanz, increased the demands on the drones from experiment to experiment. Initially, they carried out the tests in the Hattorf-Wintershall mine. The drones autonomously flew pre-defined routes and collected visual information from routes and piles. The team then equipped the drones with instrumentation to measure gas concentrations and flight speed at specific locations in the mine after blasting. The drones successfully completed this task as well.

For the third and final series of tests, the project team increased the level of difficulty by enabling the drones to carry out inspections autonomously in shafts. The limited space available for the drone, the selection of suitable sensor technology and the changing air velocities in the shaft posed particular challenges. Due to the novelty and complexity of the topic, K+S chose a shaft with ideal conditions: low air speeds, few installations and good accessibility. The Siegfried-Giesen shaft was chosen.

Initially, the University of Luleå in Sweden carried out remote-controlled drone flights in the shaft, collecting extensive data. Based on these results, the team further developed the drone's hardware and software for autonomous use in the shaft. "We wanted to develop and test the relevant basics for robot-assisted inspection in shafts. We were very successful," says Dr. Mathiak. The field tests and demonstration of the technology were promising: the first fully autonomous missions were successfully completed, with flights carried out at low altitudes. The drones performed their tasks flawlessly and avoided all obstacles. They took autonomous measurements using lidar and camera sensors. Based on these tests, the team identified future development needs. "For operational use in particular, the autonomy needs to be further developed. The total weight of the drone, the battery capacity and, therefore, the flight duration are currently also limiting factors," says Dr. Mathiak.

The international collaborative project NEXGEN SIMS is designed to support new technologies, methods, and processes for more sustainable and efficient mining. In addition to K+S, other mining companies, equipment, and system manufacturers as well as universities are involved. The three-year project runs until April 30, 2024, and is funded by the European Union. NEXGEN SIMS stands for Next Generation Carbon Neutral Pilots for Smart Intelligent Mining Systems.

But it is not only the technical feasibility of flying autonomous drones underground that will influence the success of the technology, but also the attitudes of potential future users. Therefore, at the end of the project, the team conducted a survey to assess the acceptance and benefits of the technology. Special emphasis was placed on assessing the safety, reliability, and potential of these innovative technologies. The results of the survey show a predominantly positive attitude towards robotic inspection. Most respondents believe that these methods can significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of inspections and can be a useful complement to traditional methods. They perceive the technology as safe and see no danger in the organizational framework. Many expect increased use and further development in the next years. 

"In the future, autonomous systems can make a significant contribution to safety and efficiency in mining. The EU project NEXGEN SIMS has paved the way for advanced technologies in safe and sustainable mining through impressive underground tests," conclude Malena Figueroa Lanz and Dr. Tobias Mathiak.