LiDAR-Equipped UGV Inspects Abandoned Mine

By Mike Ball / 30 Mar 2019
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Milrem Robotics Multiscope UGV

Milrem Robotics has announced that its Multiscope commercial unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) has been utilized by Estonian energy company Enefit to determine the condition of the pillars in a mine in which mining ended ten years ago.

The Multiscope, equipped with 3D LiDAR sensors, was used in closed underground locations. As the anchor structure used to support the ceiling is removed after the end of mining operations, people are no longer allowed to enter those areas.

“Enefit uses smart and innovative solutions to make our production more efficient, to minimize our environmental impact, and prevent occupational safety-related risks. An unmanned vehicle is an excellent solution for conducting surveys in an area which may be unsafe or prohibited for people to enter,” said Veljo Aleksandrov, Development Project Director at Enefit. “The vehicle’s mission was successful – we obtained the three-dimensional images and other necessary data which are vital for building a solar power plant on top of the mine.”

Enefit is planning on building one of the largest solar power plants of the region on top of the abandoned mine, generating approximately 3,500 MWh of renewable electricity per year.

“The engineers of Milrem Robotics are working on different robotics solutions designed for the civil market. Above all, they are focusing on autonomous movement in complicated environments. Multiscope is a good example of how our technology helps to increase efficiency and complete complex tasks,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

For this mission the Multiscope was piloted underground using data coming from LiDAR sensors and wide spectrum HDR cameras, however, autonomous operation could be applied in future projects.

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact