How ADR and Intel went underground with edge AI
Summary
ADR and Intel have partnered to enhance mining safety with autonomous robots equipped with edge AI. These robots conduct inspections in hazardous environments, processing real-time data to ensure worker safety and operational efficiency, revolutionizing underground mining operations.
Key Insights
What is edge AI and how is it used in this mining partnership?
Edge AI refers to artificial intelligence processing performed directly on devices at the location where data is generated, rather than sending it to centralized cloud servers. In the ADR-Intel partnership, Intel's edge computing hardware, such as Xeon and Core Ultra processors, is integrated into ADR's Explora XL robots to enable on-board processing of LiDAR, video, and sensor data for real-time mapping, inspections, and decision-making in underground mines with poor communications.
What are the key safety benefits of using ADR's Explora XL robots with Intel edge AI in underground mining?
The robots enable remote inspections in hazardous areas like unsupported ground, potential rockfall zones, and irrespirable atmospheres, reducing the need for personnel exposure. On-board processing eliminates reliance on unreliable communication links, allowing autonomous operations in deep, inaccessible mine workings for faster assessments and safer re-entry checks.
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