Scientists are training robots to search for vital minerals in abandoned mines
June 11, 2024 -Researchers at Montana University of Technology (MTECH) are using a Boston Dynamics robot – SPOT – to search abandoned mines for critical minerals essential for advanced electronics. The US currently has limited access to such minerals, while countries such as China control much of the production and processing. SPOT, a four-legged robot that can avoid obstacles, climb stairs and open doors, is now being trained to operate in the dangerous underground mines.
If the project is successful, the researchers expect to make a significant contribution to the domestic supply chain of critical minerals and provide economic opportunities for areas with abandoned mines.
