Robotics platform 'Robot Dog'

The MRE uses a robotics platform in the form of a four-legged robot dog. This robot is specially designed to move safely in complex and rough terrain. Thanks to its advanced sensor technology, high mobility and autonomous navigation capabilities, it is particularly suitable for use in mines, both surface and underground mines.

On the one hand, the robot dog serves as a vivid example of modern robotics to inspire students to use new technologies in mining. On the other hand, it is used as a flexible research platform: its modular design allows different sensors and measurement systems to be integrated. This flexibility enables real mining environments to be precisely recorded and analysed, for example, concerning geology, safety or process optimisation.

In addition to its purely technical applications, MRE also sees the robot dog as a tool for critical reflection: the ongoing digitalisation and automation in mining raises questions about social acceptance, responsibility in dealing with autonomous systems and the role of humans in increasingly technologised working environments. The robot dog enables these topics to be discussed practically in research and teaching and raises students‘ awareness of the ethical and social dimensions of robotics at an early stage.

The aim is to give students an insight into the potential of autonomous systems in mining, to explore possible applications for the future and to develop concepts for safe and efficient operation in harsh environments.

The robot dog is used at the MRE in teaching and research in the following areas:

• Demonstration of state-of-the-art robotics for motivation and knowledge transfer
• Sensory detection of environmental conditions (e.g. mineral characterisation, emission measurements or radio networks)
• Investigation of mobility and stability in rough terrain
• Test platform for autonomous navigation and human-machine interaction
• Development of concepts to increase safety and efficiency in mining
• Reflection on ethical issues in the context of digitalisation and robotics (e.g. acceptance, sense of responsibility, role of humans in the working environment)