The Challenge

Traditional inspection methods present several limitations:

• Partial coverage across large and distributed assets
• Exposure of personnel to high-risk areas
• Difficulty detecting early-stage failures through visual inspection alone
• Limited traceability and lack of standardization across inspection campaigns
• Risk of undetected anomalies evolving into high-impact failures

Operations required a solution capable of systematically inspecting large distances, generating objective data on asset condition, and supporting maintenance decisions with field-based evidence.

The Solution

Godelius developed an autonomous conveyor belt inspection system that combines robotics, advanced sensing technologies, and artificial intelligence to perform scheduled robotic inspections under real operating conditions.

The solution integrates:

• Robotic platforms designed for both underground and surface mining environments
• Multimodal data acquisition using visual, thermal, and acoustic sensors
• AI-based analytics to detect early visible, thermal, and mechanical anomalies
• Automated data processing and reporting to ensure traceability and prioritization of findings

The system can be adapted to different operational strategies, ranging from weekly inspections to multiple inspections per day, depending on process criticality and client requirements.

Scope and Results

To date, this solution has enabled, in one of our operations:

• Over 1,000 km of conveyor belts inspected
• More than 16 conveyors assessed across operational campaigns
• Over 3,400 anomalies detected
• More than 900 findings classified as critical
• Over 95% average weekly coverage

The combination of visual, thermal, and acoustic analysis allows for the detection of multiple types of events, including out-of-spec components, rollers with abnormal thermal behaviour, and early signs of mechanical failure. This improves inspection coverage, increases repeatability, and reduces personnel exposure to hazardous environments.

Operational Impact

Beyond replacing manual inspections, the system transforms inspection into a traceable, repeatable, and data-driven process. This enables:

• Improved maintenance prioritization
• Earlier identification of risk conditions
• Standardization across inspection campaigns
• Strengthened operational continuity for critical assets

With this approach, Godelius integrates robotics and artificial intelligence to turn field data into actionable operational decisions.

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Anglo American is one of the world’s leading mining companies, with operations across Africa, Australia, and the Americas. Their Los Bronces operation in Chile is a large-scale open-pit copper and molybdenum mine located in the Andes Mountains at over 3,500 metres above sea level. As part of their commitment to innovation and safety, Anglo American continuously explores technologies that enhance operational visibility, minimize risk to personnel, and improve decision-making.

The Challenge

Anglo American needed a reliable and efficient solution to inspect critical underground assets in the Los Bronces mine, such as confined spaces with limited visibility or areas affected by geotechnical instability.

The key requirements included:

• Remote inspection capabilities in restricted or hazardous zones
• High-resolution visual data acquisition
• Autonomous or semi-autonomous navigation
• Minimal disruption to existing mine operations
• Operation at high altitude with variable lighting and rough terrain

Traditional inspection methods required personnel to enter unsafe areas, relying on visual estimation or static cameras, posing significant safety risks and limiting data quality.

The Solution

SK Godelius designed and deployed a robotic inspection system specifically tailored for underground infrastructure. The solution was based on a tracked robotic platform capable of navigating uneven surfaces, with a modular design that allowed for the integration of various sensors and payloads.

Key Technical Features:

• HD and thermal imaging cameras for real-time inspection and anomaly detection
• 360° panoramic vision system with lighting adaptation for low-light environments
• Laser rangefinders for mapping narrow corridors and obstacle avoidance
• Wireless communication module integrated with Los Bronces’ underground network (including leaky feeder)
• Semi-autonomous control system with manual override, allowing for remote intervention from a surface-level operations centre
• Ruggedized platform rated for harsh conditions and long operation time

The robot provided key data, recorded footage for post-inspection analysis, and geo-referenced data to support maintenance planning and operational decisions.

Outcome:

• Successful remote inspection of critical underground assets with no human entry
• Improved safety by removing personnel from high-risk zones
• Enhanced operational insight through detailed visual and thermal data
• Flexible deployment model for other Anglo American operations with similar needs

The project with Los Bronces reflects SK Godelius’ mission to develop robotic systems that protect people while improving operational performance, especially in the most extreme and complex environments of the mining sector.

The post Development of Underground Inspection System appeared first on SK Godelius.

NOMAD, developed in partnership with ERG, is a robotic system to autonomously drill, sample, store and analyze soil sampling for geological exploration. It was developed to operate in difficult landscapes, like those in Saudi Arabia, thanks to its advanced technology inspired by space exploration. Its special design includes a system that lets it move across rough terrain, sensors for quickly analyzing soil samples, and a powerful drill for collecting samples from deep underground. 

Challenges and Objectives: 

The main goal is to improve accuracy and efficiency in soil sampling. Traditional ways are usually slow, use a lot of resources, and can be risky for people. NOMAD works to speed up the sampling process, make it more precise, and make it safer.  

“Navigating the Kingdom’s complex terrain, with its extreme conditions and rugged landscapes, poses a core challenge for mineral explorers. The terrain in the areas tested comprised shallow cover over residual regolith and proved the suitability of implementing NOMAD in the region perfectly. The robot excelled in boosting operational efficiency by an astounding 400% compared to conventional manual exploration methods.” said Aaron Baensch, Head of ERG Technology Intelligence. Read the full ERG article here. 

NOMAD’s Advanced Features: 

• Innovative Navigation System: NOMAD is equipped with a cutting-edge all-wheel-drive system that provides exceptional mobility across diverse and challenging terrains, particularly in the demanding landscapes of Saudi Arabia. This semi-autonomous navigation system allows NOMAD to traverse uneven surfaces, steep inclines, and rocky areas, ensuring reliable and efficient sample collection in a variety of environments. 
• Multi-Sensor Platform for Rapid Analysis: One of NOMAD’s standout features is its integrated multi-sensor platform. This array includes sophisticated instruments capable of scanning soil samples quickly and accurately. The sensors are designed to analyze various aspects of the samples, such as their chemical composition and mineral content. This technology enables a comprehensive understanding of the geological conditions, facilitating more informed decision-making in exploration efforts.  
• Enhanced Drilling Capability: The rover boasts a powerful percussion soil drill that can penetrate up to 90 cm below the earth’s surface. This capability allows for deeper soil sampling, crucial for accessing and analyzing sub-surface mineral deposits. The efficient drilling mechanism of NOMAD significantly increases sample collection rates, achieving over 120 samples per day, a remarkable improvement over traditional manual sampling methods.  

Cutting-edge features enabling seamless sampling processes

Soil probe controls, soil storage gantry and waterproof casing:

Control panel for manual operation of the soil sampling probe:

3D Imaging System – AI Stereo Camera (above) and automotive grade LiDAR (below) to make a 3D model of the terrain in front of the rover:

High–speed soil probe – up to 200 grams in 30 seconds at a depth of 90 cm:

Soil sample discard chute – The first 30 centimeters are discarded to avoid surface contamination:

LiDAR on top of the rover maps the surrounding area for path-planning, and pneumatic conveyor (center) lifts soil from the ground to the sample storage sub-system:

Sample tray with individualized containers:

Sampling pod with approximately 200 grams of soil. Each pod contains soil from a single geographic location:

Wireless radio to connect to the base station, in case remote operation is required:

The innovative system developed by SK Godelius in partnership with ERG marks a significant leap in the field of geological exploration, harnessing the power of robotics, AI, and advanced technology to transform soil sampling processes. Whether your challenge lies in soil sampling or any other aspect of robotic systems and technology in mining, SK Godelius offers customized, cutting-edge solutions. 

Get in touch with SK Godelius to learn how we can help with your specific needs and improve your projects. Work with us to find the right solutions for your problems in mining and robotics. Contact us now to start making your projects better with new and efficient technologies. 

The post NOMAD’s Autonomous Soil Sampling: Revolutionizing Geological Exploration in Saudi Arabia appeared first on SK Godelius.

Empty rail tank cars are brought into the sulphuric acid loading station. Once parked and secured beneath the acid loading ramp/bridge, the fill valve on the top of the rail tank car is manually unlocked with pipe wrenches and other hand tools. During this activity, accumulated pressure in the empty tank developed naturally due to temperature differences between the atmosphere and the sealed tank, can lead to an unsuspecting worker getting “sprayed” by residual acid that is released as a result of de-pressurization. Although all workers wear personal protective equipment, it creates the risk of exposure that can lead to acid burns.

Challenge

An unstructured scenario is identified due to the variety of wagons and how the robotic solution must approach each one. It is impossible to ensure the spatial location of the hatches and their components or shapes in advance. It imposes challenges such as:

• Manipulating different types of components, without human physical intervention, in unstructured environments.
• Components cannot be modified, and handmade manipulation must be allowed.
• Create a solution able to handle a wide variety of hatches models without modifying them.
• Develop a robust robotic solution envisioning the capability of working in acid environments and harsh weather conditions.

Solution

SK Godelius developed a solution based on a robotic arm that positions a tool capable of loosening and re-tightening the nuts that release the hatch cover.

1. A combined topographic-type altimetry system was developed with an artificial vision system based on a stereo-vision camera and the projection of a random pattern.
2. A digital twin model is built in real-time with the visual information of the environment and a digital model of the robot’s parts and the other equipment. It represents the environment and the systems involved.
3. A trajectory planner was developed that simulates various trajectories in the twin until a feasible and optimal one is achieved.
4. The step of inserting the tool into the nut cannot be solved by calculating trajectories because it is an unstructured environment. To solve it, we used force-oriented controls so the robot acts as if it has a sense of touch.

“Finding the right partner is key: technical skills are important, but the ability to co-create, share risk and find creative ways to quickly demonstrate concepts were all key success factors in the work we did together.”
Suzanne Balima, Strategy and Business Transformation at Vale

Result

The development of a robot that can work completely teleoperated or semi-autonomously with human assistance from a remote operator to complete the proposed task or adjust for unforeseen and/or complex situations. The state-of-the-art technologies leveraged in our solution include:

• Stereoscopic vision allows the operator to have the depth perception to interact naturally with the environment.
• 3D camera to detect bolts and align the tool with the bolt’s axis. The 3D camera’s information will automatically be applied to determine each nut’s tool’s movement.
• Positioning system
• Collision avoidance
• Power balance between elements
• Wiring
• Connectivity
• Mechanical engineering

“I thought it was amazing to see the project evolve from a 3D model to incrementally developing the robot hardware, software, and seeing it come to life. It was a fantastic experience learning from the Godelius team from a technical perspective, but also seeing their innovative DNA rub off on our team. It was a true pleasure working together”
Suzanne Balima, Strategy and Business Transformation at Vale

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In the framework of the so-called fourth industrial revolution, new tools and methods have matured that have great transformative potential in managing construction projects. IoT, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, High Precision Positioning Systems, Computer Vision, and other technologies contribute to making radically new ways of obtaining, organizing, and exchanging information associated with a construction project viable.

Added to this is the BIM model’s consolidation as a generalized digital standard to manage construction data throughout its life cycle.

SK Godelius, in conjunction with Engineering and Construction (ICSK), has developed a Construction Progress Management System which uses all these new technological tools and lays the foundations for radical gains in productivity and efficiency.

How does the system work?

Through a robotic platform that adapts to the particularities of the work, a robotic platform with wheels, legs, or wings is sent to capture information online or quasi online that allows evaluating the exact state of the construction with great precision. That information is collected by cameras, lidars, positioning devices, and other sensors mounted on the robotic platform. The “point cloud” thus obtained is interpreted, processed, and transferred to the customer’s information systems.

A solution based on the tight integration of various services:

1. State of the art capture devices: 360° real-time images to make the analysis feasible everywhere at any time
2. Cloud technologies: project data is hosted on redundant, leading cloud server architecture for maximum reliability and security
3. Annotation and updates: keep all the personnel involved easily updated. Document changes, leave comments and share to keep everyone informed
4. High-quality professional services and monitoring: lean on an efficient team to monitor the construction progress for the job site, 24/7/365
5. World-class management platforms integration: share the data with the most powerful and reliable platforms

The system helps companies improve the construction projects’ control by managing the progress and the budget through visual feedback and information recorded on the construction progress available anywhere at any time.

Construction Progress Management “as a service”

SK Godelius handle the projects’ burden and technological complexities, allowing companies to enjoy the benefits of a service that delivers:

• Online project progress tracking
• Visual records of the construction project evolution
• Record progress in the field to analyze it anywhere at any time
• Efficient communication by making crucial annotation and comments
• Share the progress with teammates, supervisors, customers, among others
• Intuitive Enterprise Dashboard user interface
• Customized reports generation
• Integration with the leading project management platforms

The system can use the construction projects’ information recorded to:

• AI application: create a knowledge base that can be actively reviewed to learn from previous experiences.
• Powerful marketing tool: show your customers your expertise and transparency.

Sharing BIM mock-ups or real-world documentation with your client helps to increase approvals and decrease rework. Our system guarantee that companies have permanently documented their project at 360° and can reference historical images of your proper construction decisions.

The post Progress Management System for Construction Companies appeared first on SK Godelius.

On the one hand, there are many deposits where the safety conditions are so extreme that it would not be exploitable unless done remotely. On the other hand, even in regular sites, teleoperation and autonomy gain traction following the fourth industrial revolution’s steps.  SK Godelius has led this project for ENAEX. It involved state-of-the-art robotics solutions, like RoboMiner®, teleoperated trucks, like Mine-iTruck®, and multiple auxiliary systems, implementing autonomous and teleoperated solutions on them.

Challenge

• Make the remote operation of the blasting process in mining viable. It involves solving complex control, robotics, telecommunications, regulatory and cultural problems.
• To involve multiple players – universities, companies, manufacturers – and align them towards a common goal.
• To develop a many-fold strategy addressing at the same time short, medium and long-term objectives in a rapidly changing environment.

Solution

The Program tackled different systems, such as:

• A robot whose goal is to install the initiators and can attend unforeseen events.
• Teleoperated factory truck that also loads the holes with the explosive.
• Holes metering robot.
• The truck that carries gravel to place the confinement material for blasting.

SK Godelius, together with ENAEX, orchestrated a program aimed at the design of equipment, machinery and robots that together carried out the installation of explosives without direct human presence. During this kind of operation, the execution-time is the most expensive factor, so there is no space for improvising. All the action must be organized in advance due to the impossibility of performing maintenance in those areas. In the most likely scenarios, the teleoperated systems cannot count on local human assistance, so they must be self-sufficient to overcome failure.

The RoboMiner® and the Mine-iTruck® combine autonomous robotic activities with teleoperation functions. In the case of the robot, the operators control it remotely as an extension of themselves so that it is possible to reach and operate areas where the human decision is still essential. For example, to install explosives in regular operation, human skills are necessary to handle the material in the safest possible way. Even though autonomous and teleoperation solutions were applied to the process, human skills are still crucial to achieve success.

The design’s initial stages avoided substantial modifications to the process since the operation with explosives, and the procedures cannot be modified without going through lengthy regulatory approval processes.

Result

It is a paradigm shift in the mining industry in general, and in the blasting process. The potential for transformation is immense. It makes entire operations viable, radically modifies the safety and productivity of operations. It helped strengthen ENAEX’s position as a world leader in its field.

The post Teleoperation and robotics applied to rock fragmentation, ENAEX appeared first on SK Godelius.

Challenge

• Reduce the risk to workers during the mining operations.
• Make dangerous tasks feasible in the mining environment.
• Access remote areas that human-beings cannot access personally.

In the mining industry, multiple areas are exposed to risk. The complexity of tasks is greatly benefited from the existence of autonomous or semi-autonomous machines that can maintain the continuity of operations and, at the same time, increase workers’ safety.
SK Godelius develops all the robotic solutions in a particular mobile platform, robust enough to ensure excellent performance in the challenging mining environment, such as extreme temperatures, rough and steep terrain, and changing topologies. The robots should offer an adequate surface area and load capacity to house a robotic manipulator, cameras and sensors, without dramatically sacrificing their autonomy. The manipulator’s selection has to be appropriate to the tasks envisioned to be performed both in terms of scope and manipulative capacity.

Solution

Development of Godelius X, a robot that works in an autonomous, semi-autonomous or teleoperated way. It can be adapted to different dynamics of interaction with other robots, providing support and maintenance tasks.

The robot involves a complex and integrated robotic platform, formed by a mobile base prepared to operate in adverse environments, sensors that allow its operation in variable geometry and confined spaces, and a robotic arm with a manipulator. The robotic arm has cameras and sensors to provide the ability to execute various tasks in the mining environment. On the platform, depending on the application and the need, cameras, LIDAR sensors, thermal cameras, for example, can be installed, making the Godelius X an incredibly versatile platform. The SK Godelius engineering team can create any personalized solutions according to the requirements for any operation.
Godelius X can be teleoperated where both the movement and handling tasks can be managed remotely. It turns out to be extremely useful for highly variable movements or manipulation tasks that require interaction with an expert human. On the other hand, depending on the task, it is also possible to opt for a completely autonomous operation.

Result

Godelius X executes tasks such as:

• Teleoperated or autonomous inspections in areas.
• Inspections with thermal cameras to detect temperature changes in variables of interest.
• Collecting sampling in prospecting processes, fully auditable and traceable.
• Measuring gaseous substances present in the environment.
• Post-blast check to verify grain size conditions in areas of high risk for people.

Although it can always be tailored to specific tasks, Godelius X also provides general task support from the realization of a cyclical route, the sweep of the “cutting” in drilling, the dragging of hoses in piles, and the markers’ installation, among others.

The post Godelius X: a field robot for unstructured environments appeared first on SK Godelius.

Challenge

• To deliver a personalized solution for handling the mining electrical power sources system of Minera Los Pelambres, aiming to increase workers’ security by eliminating direct electrical contact exposure.

Some challenges arise from the application of access control protocols and procedures for locking and unlocking electrical networks, equipment and systems. The fundamental objective of those procedures is to eliminate physical risks for personnel.
The workers were exposed to the electrical system risks in both ways, direct and indirect, through the contact with the active parts of the installation, and the contact with elements that could be accidentally dangerous. A fundamental risk to avoid is the so-called flash event, which consists of an area where an energy release caused by an electric arc occurs while handling medium voltage electrical devices inside electrical rooms. It was crucial to consider some legal and organizational restrictions that limited the range of possible solutions.

Solution

• Development of a robotic platform to execute tasks, which can receive instruction through the combination of optical and force sensors, and at the same time, control the precision positioning required for the activity.

SK Godelius created a personalized solution that can “work as a human,” moving inside the electrical room to locate and identify the devices, and autonomously handle them. The instructions are received through an operation interface, and it independently executes the operation required on the selected electrical device. It manipulates a set of labels, equivalent to blocking cards, to have physical evidence of the activity performed.

Result

• The project is a successful solution to the security issue that also had a significant impact on productivity.

This kind of activity is mostly performed by highly specialized personnel. Due to the scarcity of resources, the workers must execute their jobs between different electrical rooms inside the site, depending on the type of blockage required. As a result of the significant degree of automation of the system developed by SK Godelius, which counted on predefined sequences and drives, the project had solved problems at different levels of security and productivity.

The post Robotic development for isolation of electrical power sources: Los Pelambres, Antofagasta Minerals, Chile appeared first on SK Godelius.

Aware of this dangerous scenario and seeking a safer operation, Antofagasta Minerals awarded SK Godelius a contract to carry out a study that identifies a strategic economic and technical feasibility to manage pre-cut drills remotely.

The deliverable was an exhaustive study of the state of the art and technological trends. SK Godelius developed a customized roadmap to implement cutting-edge technologies in remote operation to meet the demand for safer working conditions. SK Godelius drew up an evolutionary plan in this strategic consulting work that gradually moves workers away from the most exposed sites.

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