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Sensors for Precise Underground Localization

Reference number
Coordinator Örebro universitet - Örebro universitet Inst f naturvetenskap & teknik
Funding from Vinnova SEK 734 823
Project duration November 2024 - May 2025
Status Ongoing
Venture Impact Innovation Metals & Minerals - Program-specific efforts Vinnova
Call Impact Innovation: Feasibility studies within Technological Action Areas in the program Metals & Minerals

Important results from the project

The main goal of this project was to evaluate the feasibility of an onboard sensor to enable precise localization of a machine in an underground mining tunnel. We performed this evaluation by integrating several sensor and an industrial computer on a mobile platform and scanning an underground mine. The preliminary results showed that there is a large variance between techniques, with some laser-based localization methods showing promising performance.

Expected long term effects

We expect that in the long term the project will enable further research on underground localization and result in technology that allows machines to navigate autonomously. A future system based on the data collected and concepts developed would allow an operator to control a drilling rig remotely, something that is difficult to do today, due to the sub-centimeter localization precision required for drilling operations.

Approach and implementation

The project was carried out according to the initial time plan. We were able to collect data, as planned, within the first 4 months of the project, and spent the remaining two months analyzing. We decided not to do a second data collection at Boliden, resulting in a slightly lower participation rate of the end user. The collaboration worked well, with monthly management meetings, and frequent technical discussions. Engineering support by Epiroc was particularly valuable to the end result.

The project description has been provided by the project members themselves and the text has not been looked at by our editors.

Last updated 2 July 2025

Reference number 2024-02707