Russian Engineers Develop Autonomous Robot for Mining Safety
In a joint initiative between Rosatom and Sirius University, students and engineers are prototyping an autonomous tunneling robot that promises to reduce human risk and increase productivity in subterranean excavations
A Student–Industry Collaboration
At the Sirius University campus in Sochi, engineering students partnered with the research arm of VNIPIpromtekhnologii JSC to design a robotic “road‑header” capable of navigating mine tunnels without human intervention. Project lead Sofya Ilyina emphasizes the significance:
By involving students in real‑world development, Russia is simultaneously cultivating domestic robotics talent and advancing its industrial autonomy.
Precision Navigation and 3D Modeling
The robot’s standout feature is its inertial‑navigation system, which tracks position using onboard sensors rather than relying on external signals underground. Coupled with 3D mapping of mine workings, this allows the machine to plan and maintain its path accurately.
explains academic supervisor Mikhail Semyonov.
This integration of education, software, and hardware underscores Russia’s growing capabilities in advanced mining automation.
